Athlete Kavita Raut on Tuesday denied fellow runner OP Jaisha's claims that Indian officials were apathetic during the women's marathon at the Rio Olympics, fellow. Raut, who finished 120th in the event, said the Athletics Federation of India had provided all facilities and she did not have any complaints against them, ANI reported.
A dehydrated Jaisha lost consciousness after the marathon and was taken to the medical room. The Kerala athlete had alleged that she got water only once every 8 km, that too from Rio officials, during the grueling 42-km marathon. AFI, however, rubbished her claims, saying both Jaisha and her coach had declined the offer of personalised drinks for the athlete.
According to Raut, there were refreshment and drinks available at designated spots, and she had taken them from volunteers stationed there. "I wouldn't like to comment on what Jaisha has to say, but as far as I am concerned, I was asked a day before the race whether I would need any refreshment or drinks during the race," Kavita told India Today.
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