SAI to give surviving athletes best possible medical treatment

'It is the most shocking and tragic incident in the history of SAI'

SAI's director general Injeti Srinivas will submit report to Sports Ministry at the earliest

Reacting to the suicide attempt of four women athletes at a Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre in Kerala, SAI’s director general Injeti Srinivas, termed the incident ‘most shocking’.

Four teenaged sportswomen, who were undergoing training at Sports Authority of India’s, Water Sports Centre in Alapuzha, Kerala, attempted suicide on Wednesday afternoon. One of them, 15-year-old, Aparna, died on Thursday morning.

- One dead as four SAI women athletes attempt suicide

"It is the most shocking and tragic incident in the history of SAI, as far as I can remember. The matter came to my notice late last night and since then the whole effort has been getting the best possible treatment for the athletes," Srinivas told said on Thursday.

"I have been asked by the Sports Minister to proceed to Alapuzha for a comprehensive assessment of the administrative side of the matter as law enforcement agencies go about their investigation. I will be in Alapuzha by tonight and will submit the report to the minister at the earliest," he said.

Asked about what might have prompted the athletes to take the drastic step, Srinivas said: "It is appearing to be an attempt of suicide, that is what all substantial evidence shows. It is tragic that a bright girl passed away. What I also understand is that a joint suicide note was left by the four athletes, which is also in possession of the investigating authorities.

"I would not venture to say anything more when a deposition has been recorded by the judicial magistrate," Srinivas added.

Image: SAI DG Injeti Srinivas (centre, in green)

Photograph: sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in