Unlike OP Jaisha, Kavita Raut had no water issue during Rio 2016

Marathon runner Kavita Raut (31) yesterday sought to steer clear of the OP Jaisha controversy, asserting that there was enough water for her during the grueling marathon event in the Rio Olympics

New Delhi: Marathon runner Kavita Raut (31) yesterday sought to steer clear of the OP Jaisha controversy, asserting that there was enough water for her during the grueling marathon event in the Rio Olympics.

Kavita Raut

Jaisha, the second Indian participant in the marathon race, stoked a controversy by alleging that Athletics Federation of India officials did not arrange for water and energy drinks during the race under scorching heat, a claim denied by the AFI.

Kavita, who finished 120th in the race with a timing of 2 hrs 59 minutes and 29 seconds, said she has no complaints against the Indian officials. “I don’t want to be involved in the Jaisha issue. I don’t want to speak about what she said or complained. I will speak for myself. It was a normal race for me though I felt thirsty along the way as the race was run under scorching heat,” Kavita told PTI from her home in Maharashtra.

“I don’t know at what intervals were the water stations kept. But there were water stations and I felt water, kept along the course of the race, was enough and that was why I completed the race without any problem,” she added. Jaisha had alleged that there was no water, recovery drinks and refreshment available for her and only once in 8km did she got water.

Kavita made it clear that she was asked by AFI officials about personalised drinks during the race.

“Yes, I was asked at the team assembly. But I am not in the habit of using these personalised drinks. It does not suit me. I used to run marathon by using only the normal water provided by the organisers,” said Kavita.

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