Under fire Sports Ministry constitutes committee to probe Jaisha's allegations

The Sports Ministry on Tuesday constituted a two-member committee to inquire into the allegations of long-distance runner O.P. Jaisha, who fainted at the end of the gruelling race at the recently concluded Rio Olympics.

The committee, formed by Sports Minister Vijay Goel, has been asked to submit its reports within seven days.

This came as the opposition leaders mounted pressure on the government, particularly the Sports Ministry, while backing Jaisha's claims.

Janata Dal (United) leader Sharad Yadav said that the Centre has miserably failed in fulfilling its responsibility.

Yadav said that there was sheer mismanagement at Rio because of which sportspersons representing India had to suffer.

"The government and especially the Sports Ministry should have fulfilled their responsibilities in Rio honestly. But Jaisha's complaint makes it clear that there was utter mismanagement," said Yadav.

"A lot of people went to Rio, but could not manage anything. So, I second Jaisha's claim that the way things should have been arranged for our sportsperson at Rio were not done," he added.

Jaisha, a two-time Asian Games bronze medal-winning long distance runner, yesterday took on the athletics federation officials for not manning the special water points meant to provide her supplement drinks.

Jaisha, who finished 89th in Rio Olympics women's marathon event with a timing of 2:47:19, collapsed after reaching the final mark.

Expressing her disappointment, she said there was no water, neither recovery drink nor food available for her.

"We are supposed to be given drinks by our technical officials, it's the rule. We cannot take water from any other team.I had a lot of problems," she said.

Demanding an inquiry into the matter, Jaisha said, "I am sure that had something grave happened to me, AFI would have still said that O.P. Jaisha didn't avail refreshment."

The Athletics Federation of India has, however, countered Jaisha's charges about official apathy and callousness in Rio.