The National Games begin in Kerala this weekend and more than 10,000 athletes will be in action over two weeks here. But do you know how many dope tests are being planned at the Games?
“About 300 samples will be taken totally for all the 32 disciplines included,” Dr P.S.M. Chandran, the National Games’ Medical Advisor for anti-doping and medical coverage, told The Hindu here on Wednesday evening.
But doesn’t it look like a small number, especially in these times when the temptation to go for dope appears huge. “With all the expenses involved, where’s the money,” asked Dr. Chandran, the former Director (Sports Medicine), Sports Authority of India, after a look at the medical arrangements for the National Games at the Regional Sports Centre here. “The lab-testing process costs Rs. 8750 per sample, the kit costs about Rs. 1500. We have a budget of about Rs. 64 lakh for the doping control measures which includes the expenses of doping control officers, their training, travel etc.”
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Since the State Government is expected to offer heavy cash awards for its athletes, is the temptation to try out dope bigger among home athletes?
“That’s a concern. As you said, people are participating not for the love of the game or for the country but to get the money.
So, they will try all shortcuts,” said Dr. Chandran who had been the doctor for the Indian contingent at the Olympics and Asian Games earlier.
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“But we are very serious, we will be following the WADA code, we will be following protocol, no compromise on anything.”
Athletics, swimming, weightlifting and cycling are some of the events which will come under close scrutiny at the Games.
Strange things seem to be happening in Indian sport. There is now even talk that the Athletics Federation of India is planning to bring back a foreign coach who was in the centre of the 2011 doping scandal which saw a bunch of women mile relay runners being suspended.
Dr. Chandran had this to say about the current developments: “As far as the National Games are concerned, we are serious. Regarding the other things, everybody says they are serious. They are serious but some decisions are not understandable.”