Sunita floats conspiracy theory

But he added that the Indian authorities have asked for testing of the ‘B’ sample which would be done at the Korean Institute of Technology and Sciences in Seoul. The result is likely to be known on October 16, Tytler added.

But in other development, Dr Yoshiro Kuroda, the head of OCA’s Medical Commission said there was no need for testing the ‘B’ sample as Sunita was indeed positive on Nandrolon, a substance banned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). ‘‘I consider it a clear case and there is no need for the second test.’’

But he said since the athlete was within her rights to go in for a second test, he would go by Sunita’s wish. If what Dr Kuroda says is true then Sunita would lose both her medals and will be barred from athletics for two years. Both Sunita and her coach Renu Kohli were there as the Indian media persons reached Hotel Lotte, the official headquarters of OCA today.

First the Indian authorities tried to shoo them away but later, when the they insisted, the two were allowed to meet them. ‘‘You are Indians and yet you are writing against India.’’ said a completely dejected looking Sunita. She repeatedly denied having taken any drug or substance. When she was reminded that the Indian team doctor, Jawahar Lal Jain had given her something during the media conference after her win in the 15,00 metres, Sunita lost her cool and blasted the media. ‘‘How can I tell you what he had given me? Do you understand women’s problems?’’ she asked agitatedly.

She, however, admitted that Dr Jain had, indeed, given her something. Earlier the doctor had said that may be someone had contaminated her sample. When the media asked Sunita whether it was possible she said ‘‘after the race when I was going to the dope control lab maybe someone mixed something in my water.’’

Considering the lax methods of dope testing in Busan, one would like to give Sunita some allowance. Evcen some senior athletes of the Indian contingent, shopping at a departmental store near the Main Press Center, were of the opinion that Sunita was not capable of taking any drug of banned substance.

‘‘Maybe, some coach had given her something without Sunita knowing it,’ said an athlete on the condition of anonymity. This theory also has some substance as coaches also get a substantial cash awards like the athlete gets. For the athlete, the risk is even higher. Besides being condemned by the society, the athlete also faces a big health risk.

Both, the Amateur Athletics Federation of India and the Indian Olympic Association have repeatedly insisted that the athletes were tested before coming to Busan. And they were clean. But Sunita’s case clearly points out that either the athlete is not telling the truth or the testing methodology in India is not up to the mark. Incidentally, the Nehru Stadium dope control lab in New Delhi is not an accredited one.

The unfortunate incident has also brought shame to the country. The news of Sunita’s dope test failure was flashed in Games official newspaper today. The international media covering the Games had been talking about the drug malady in Indian sport in hush-hush tones. After Sunita’s incident, they are openly criticising the Indian system.