Athletes knowingly take drugs: Saina

Mumbai. India’s badminton star made some stunning revelations on Wednesday about the latest doping scandal which has shook the Indian sports fraternity. The world Number 6 said that she knew about many of the athletes consuming banned drugs knowingly.

Her remarks came after eight of the top national athletes failed in dope tests at the NIS, Patiala. "I also know many athletes and weightlifters who themselves tell me that "we take it"," Saina said.

In the last fortnight or so 8 star athletes who have won medals at the Delhi CWG and Asian Games have failed to clear dope tests ahead of the Asian Champions to be held in Japan, they are; Mandeep Kaur, Sini Jose , Jauna Murmu, Mary Thomas, Hari Krishnan Muralidharan, shot putter Sonia Ashwini Akkunji and Priyanka Panwar.

When asked about the banned drugs easily available outside the National Institute of Sports, Patiala. Her reply was flat, "I don't know whether it is available or not. I don't take it." She also added that the main reason behind the athletes taking these drugs is the lack of awareness about these issues.

"It's really sad they don't know what they are taking. I'm sure everyone knows WADA rules, it’s very common. They have a website which mentions which medicines are banned and which are not. I think it’s just that they don't know. Many athletes and weightlifters are not very educated so whatever their coaches give they take that," she said.