Shot putter Inderjeet brushes aside Zika virus threat in Rio

The dreaded Zika virus may be of serious concern to some taking part in next month's Rio Olympics, but Indian shot put hopeful Inderjeet Singh just brushed it aside and said today that it was unlikely to trouble the country's 100-plus contingent at the Games.
"The whole world is coming there and Indians are very much fit for Zika virus. We need not worry about that. Our aim is to give our best there, Zika... Bika, we will take care of," he said here, eliciting peals of laughter from the audience at the felicitation function organised by his employers, Indian Oil Corporation.

Inderjeet, bronze medalist at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, wants his personal coach Pritam Singh, brother of two-time Olympian Shakti Singh, to accompany him and guide him at the Games.
"Preparations are good and in form. Yes, the only support I want from the government this time is, please send my coach Pritam Singh with me (to the Olympics). It will be very helpful if the personal coaches are there with the athletes.
"I need him at this stage. This time I need him with me," said Inderjeet, who is ranked number one in the country and Asia in shot put.

While agreeing to undergo dope tests, Inderjeet said the way they are done should not put pressure on players.
"This year, after coming from the US, I have been tested six times. The first time was in Delhi and after that six more times. It's blood test or urine test as they decide," said the athlete.