Sports fraternity express shock at suicide attempt by athletes

India's sports fraternity today expressed shock at the death of a trainee at Kerala's SAI center and urged the sportspersons to show heart in fighting odds instead of resorting to such an extreme step.
One athlete died and three others were battling for life after eating a poisonous fruit under an apparent collective suicide attempt following alleged harassment by seniors.
"It is extremely sad to hear the news of young girls attempting suicide," woman boxer MC Mary Kom said on the sidelines of Times of India Sports Award here.
"We, sportspersons, face a lot of difficulties and sweat out for the country and these incidents are a loss to their families and to Indian sports. I felt sad for the family of these girls. At the same time I am upset that they attempted suicide. I would not have done this," Mary added.

Badminton star Saina Nehwal said this "should not have happened".
"It's very sad. They must have gone through a lot of struggles and that may have prompted them go take this step but I must say we are sportsperson, we are fighters and we must keep fighting," the world number one said.

"We should not be scared of anything. Problems are there on and off but we must face them. There are not enough sportspersons in the country and they should be well protected," Saina added.
Mary Kom said ideally the girls should have fought off the adversity, whatever it was, with bravery.

"I don't know what led them to take up this extreme step but they should have fought against anybody whether coach or somebody. But I also understand that they are young girls and some may not be tough and able to handle the difficulties.