Bengaluru: Runner OP Jaisha has strongly refuted the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) allegation that she refused energy drinks as she ran the marathon at the Rio Olympics.
Jaisha, 33, collapsed at the finish line and has said that she ran the gruelling 42-km race without support from Indian officials who were missing at desks placed by countries a few kilometres apart so that their competitors can be offered refreshments.
But CK Valson, a top AFI official has said it is untrue that officials were missing. He said that Jaisha and her coach had refused the offer to have refreshments served at the counters that Indian officials could have manned.
"Why would I lie? There was no water in Rio...I am not blaming the Sports Authority of India or the administration...After 21 km, I was really exhausted, I couldn't even walk for a metre," the Kerala athlete told NDTV on Monday night.
"There needs to be an inquiry...I am sure that had something grave happened to me, AFI would have still said that OP Jaisha didn't avail refreshment," she told news agency ANI.
During a marathon, competitors' countries are entitled to place a desk every 2.5 km to offer them liquids. Instead, it was official Olympics counters - placed about 8 km apart - that Jaisha had to rely on, the athlete has alleged.
News by: Mehak Mehra
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