The plot gets murkier - OP Jaisha accuses AFI of lying while Kavita Raut dismisses Jaisha's claims
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After the Athletics Federation of India rebuffed reports that the athletes were not provided with drinks during the marathon event in Rio, OP Jaisha has hit back by accusing the AFI of lying. However, in an intriguing turn of events, her fellow runner Kavita Raut has now dismissed Jaisha's claims.
"It was very hot there. I ran in scorching heat. There was no water for us, neither recovery drinks nor food. Only once in 8km did we get water (from Rio organisers) which did not help at all. All the countries had their stalls at every 2km but our country's stall was empty.
"I have been an athlete for so many years and I have never complained about the AFI. If I am lying about this, my career as an athlete will end. I don't know what the AFI is getting by lying about all this, they want to portray themselves to the government in a different light.
"We are supposed to be given drinks by our technical officials, it's the rule. We cannot take water from any other team. I saw the Indian board there but there was nothing. I had a lot of
Her response comes after the AFI released an official statement where they rubbished all the claims of Jaisha, insisting that Jaisha and Kavita Raut had earlier declined to use personalized
In a sensational turn of
"I can only speak for myself. I was offered energy drinks by the officials before the marathon, but I had refused," Raut was quoted as saying by ANI.
This row is turning out to be a thrilling soap opera at the moment. One of the two parties is lying, and the truth must be brought to light. While it is not unimaginable to think that the officials were at fault, it is important to get to know both sides of the story before reaching a conclusion.
