KUMAR CALM AHEAD OF FIH HEARING
Goalkeeper focuses on defending himself against doping charge
SAIFUL AFFENDY SAPRAN saifulaffendy@nstp.com.my
S. KUMAR, embroiled in the controversy of a failed doping test during the Asia Cup in Dhaka in October, is now much calmer after his nine-month-old son Siddtaa Pavanaj has been released from hospital.
Siddtaa, the third son of the 28-year-old goalkeeper, was hospitalised for four days due to lung infection.
He was allowed to return home on Friday, around the same time when it was announced that Kumar had tested positive for using the banned substance, sibutramine.
“Now I feel much better, and calmer where I can focus on facing this doping issue.
“My son has his appetite back to drink milk but over the next two weeks we will need to take him for follow-up treatment.
“Last week I was very worried and had phobia when my son had to be warded in hospital.”
Kumar, who has 295 caps with the national team, suffered grief and heartbreak two years ago when he lost his second son, Harsheen, 3,
“Now, I will try to think back and remember what food or drink that I may have accidentally consumed, which might have to do with this doping issue,” he said.
Kumar said he is waiting for the date of the hearing by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) after a letter has been sent to the sport’s world governing body via the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC).
“The FIH is closed until Wednesday next week (Jan 3) because of Christmas and New Year on Monday. After this period, perhaps we will get to know the date of the hearing.
“I hope the hearing can be carried out as soon as possible so that I may defend myself,” he stressed.
Now I feel much better, and calmer where I can focus on facing this doping issue. I hope the hearing can be carried out as soon as possible so that I may defend myself.”