After various complaints from several athletes, India’s marathon runner OP Jaisha — a national record holder — has opened her mouth this time. She alleged that Indian officials did not arrange for water and energy drinks during her race in the Rio Olympics run under scorching heat despite designated stations being given for the country.

A dehydrated Jaisha collapsed after the race ended and it was only after 2-3 hours she regained her consciousness. No doctors came to help her.

Even though the organizers provided water and sponge after every 8km, Jaisha said that it hardly lasted her 500m, making the run very difficult after 30km, especially under the strong sun.

She was injected with seven bottles of glucose to help her recover. It is uncommon for experienced marathon runners to collapse unconscious after marathons.

Jaisha said, ‘It was very hot there. I ran in scorching heat. There was no water for us, neither recovery drinks nor food.’

‘All the countries had their stalls at every 2km but our country’s stall was empty.’

“While other athletes had the luxury of taking glucose, honey etc there was nothing for us (Jaisha and Kavita) to drink at our stations. Not even water,” She added.

“We are supposed to be given drinks by our technical officials, it’s the rule. We cannot take water from any other team. I saw the Indian board there but there was nothing. I had a lot of problem, I fainted after the race. I was administered glucose, I thought I would die,” she recalled.

WATCH Olympian OP Jaisha interview here:

We want our athletes fight till the very end and bring glory to our country. First, they need the ability to compete the athletes from other countries with same standards of training and guidance, only then we will be able to hope for medals.