PV Sindhu, Sakshi Malik and Dipa Karmakar have done us proud, and the nation sat up to take notice of the immense talent there is in the country. Sadly, our government hasn't done enough to tap talent to its potential. Our athletes struggle to train amidst lack of proper facilities. It is no secret that not enough facilities are provided to athletes in India. From poor infrastructure to lack of even basic provisions like food and water, our athletes struggle despite all odds.

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This is what happened in the case of marathon runner and national record holder OP Jaisha recently, when Indian official failed to provide her even water during her arduous run. While the organizing teams of athletes from other countries were diligently providing them water every 2.5 km, there was no one for our Indian athletes. She had to depend on the Rio organizers providing water, but that was every 8 km. As a result, the national record holder fainted at the finish line. She remained unconscious for almost 2-3 hours and had to be administered 7 bottles of glucose! The apathy of Indian officials towards our players is just outrageous!

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"Though there were officials from all other countries to provide refreshments to their runners at designated points -after every 2.5 km -there was no one from India and our desks were empty next to the country's name and flag," Jaisha told TOI.

"I don't know how I managed to finish without getting enough water to drink. The organizers provided water and sponge only at 8-km intervals. The water from these stations lasted hardly 500m and it was almost impossible to run after the 30-km mark under the scorching sun. While other athletes had the luxury of taking glucose, honey etc there was nothing for us (Jaisha and Kavita) to drink at our stations. Not even water," Jaisha said.

The indifference and apathy of Indian officials towards our players is heartbreaking. Our athletes who give their sweat, blood and tears to their sport, certainly deserve better treatment.

H/t – The Times Of India

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