IOA mum on syringes found in CWG rooms

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) medical staff, accompanying the 200-plus member contingent to the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, is silent on the issue of disposal syringes reportedly found in the rooms occupied by Indian athletes at the Games Village.

Australia strictly follows the “no needle policy” and the IOA had circulated a mail among National Sports Federations (NSFs) to abide by the host country’s rules.

IOA medical expert Sachin Jain, accompanying the contingent, said he had no idea about the incident. “I can’t tell you (anything) as I have no details. The chef-de-mission can give you more information.”

Chef de mission, Vikram Singh Sisodia, was unavailable for comments despite several calls and text messages. Jain also didn’t disclose whether he has set up a medical room and if any athlete has visited him for treatment since the opening of the Games Village on March 25. “I cannot comment on this,” he said.

At the Rio Olympic Games, IOA medical officer Pawandeep Singh Kohli was in the midst of a controversy as, despite being at the venue, he didn’t attend to wrestler Vinesh Phogat who got injured during her 48kg bout. She received treatment on the mat from local doctors .

In January, the IOA had named Kohli chairman of the medical commission, but didn’t include him in the Commonwealth Games contingent, instead appointing Arun Mendiratta as chief medical officer who was dropped by the government.

As per the “no needle policy”, athletes can’t use syringes on their own even to inject multi-vitamins. “Athletes or medical staff can’t administer injection in their rooms; it’s against the policy. Under no circumstances can athletes carry syringes in their baggage,” an IOA official said on condition of anonymity.

NEW DELHI: