SAI to send showcause notice to athletics coach

After terminating the services of Ukrainian coach Yuri Ogrodnik and suspending R S Sidhu in the wake of the doping scandal, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) on Thursday sent a showcause notice Ramesh Nagapuri, the other athletics coach associated with the women's 400m race.

"As per the findings of SAI Executive Director (P C Kashyap), we have decided to issue showcause notice to N Ramesh. As he is currently in Japan (for Asian Championships) with the Indian contingent, he would be served the notice once he is back," SAI Director-General Desh Deepak Verma said.

The SAI DG also revealed the names of the two female employees -- Sunita Bedi and Kalpana Debnath -- who have been removed from the NIS Patiala with immediate effect.  Bedi was the caretaker of the girls' hostel, while Debnath, the Warden of the Silver Jubilee Girls' Hostel.     

While Bedi has been transferred out of Patiala, Debnath has been withdrawn from her post.

In the wake of the doping scandal that has rocked the country, Verma said in case of a doping incident in future, collective responsibility will be imposed and action will be taken against the whole team of athletes, support staff and others connected.

"We have decided that if the athlete is tested positive then action will be taken against the entire team to stem the rot that has set in. Our employees will now be more pro-active to tackle this menace," he said, adding that SAI has already prepared a detailed report which will be submitted to the government.

SAI has also sought an explanation from Dr Manabendra Bhattacharya who was posted at NIS Patiala.

 "We have asked the doctor to explain his actions or inactions," Verma informed.

Meanwhile, weightlifting coach Naveen Kumar's contract has been terminated after two campers at SAI Centre Bangalore were tested positive for banned drugs.

Along with Naveen, gymnastics coach Praveen Kumar's services has also been withdrawn.