Injured athlete suffers in pain thanks to official apathy

While attempting her first pole vault at the 14th Federation Cup national junior athletics championship at Sree Kanteerava Stadium here on Wednesday., Kerala's Shani Shaji sustained a bad fall and was soon in tears. Since there were no emergency facilities on hand, the officials made an immediate request for an ambulance. After several minutes passed, the officials realised that no ambulance was forthcoming and transported Shani to a private hospital.

"She has suffered a major ankle fracture, she could be out for a long time now. I’m guessing at least three months. If the medical officials would’ve reacted faster, it could’ve saved us time,” Kerala state coach PP Paul said.

"We actually had an ambulance in the first day, and everything was going according to plan. So, we decided not to book it for the second day. Also, the medical officials weren’t present at the venue, during the event. We admit that it is our fault, and we had a meeting to discuss the financials. We will be paying the entire medical expenses for her,” Chandrasekhar Rai, secretary of the Karnataka Amateur Athletics Association, was quoted as saying by Indian Express.

According to  Athletics Federation of India secretary CK Valson, event officials have been directed to not commence proceedings on the third and final days until an ambulance is made available at the venue.