“It’s very much a part of athletics,” said a senior coach when his attention was drawn to the syringes and vials found in the toilets at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium.
The coach’s words indicate that today’s athletes cannot perform without these aids even at state meets.
Overnight results seem to be the mantra for most coaches, and the athletes — willingly or otherwise — get caught up in it.
Meanwhile, officials from the National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) arrived at the venue on the final day of the meet for a ‘routine’ visit. “If we can put a stop to doping here, it will ensure that they don’t embarrass our country at the international level,” an official, who didn't want to be named, said.
“I’m not surprised that there are incidents of doping at state meets. It starts here.
“It is mostly due to a lack of education, but sometimes the athlete is also guilty,” he added.