Ministry sets up inquiry to probe apathy in Jaisha's case

The Sports Ministry today constituted a two-member committee to probe the allegations of official apathy levelled by marathon runner O P Jaisha, who claims to have been denied water refreshment during her event at the Rio Olympic Games.

Jaisha, who finished 89th in the marathon event, has alleged that no water or energy drinks were made available by the Indian officials during her event, leaving her completely exhausted at the end of the race. She had fainted after crossing the finishing line.

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI), however, has asserted that the athlete herself refused any such arrangement when approached a day before the event.

"The Minister of State, Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Vijay Goel has constituted a two-member Committee consisting of Shri Onkar Kedia, Joint Secretary (Sports) and Shri Vivek Narayan, Director (Sports) to enquire into the allegations of Ms. O.P. Jaisha," a press release from ministry said.

Jaisha, after returning from Brazil, claimed that officials from all other countries provided refreshments to their runners at designated points set up every 2.5 km.

The committee will submit its report in seven days.