India ordered an inquiry Tuesday (23) after an athlete said national officials failed to give her water during the Olympic marathon leading her to collapse, heaping further embarrassment following a poor showing in Rio.
Runner O.P. Jaisha, 33, told media she collapsed after the women’s marathon because Indian officials failed to provide refreshments at designated country stations during the race.
“I could have died there… Only once in 8 kilometres did we get water (from the Rio organisers) which did not help at all,” Press Trust of India quoted her as saying.
“All the countries had their stalls at every 2 kms but our country’s stall was empty,” she said.
The allegations prompted the sports minister Tuesday to announce an investigation.
“Sports minister constitutes two-member committee to inquire into the allegations of marathon runner O.P. Jaisha,” a statement issued by Sports Minister Vijay Goel’s office said.
Bob Blackman MP speaks during the event