Condition of the three Kerala athletes improving

Protest at the Sports Authority of India(SAI) centre in Kerala

Alappuzha (Kerala), May 8 (IANS): The condition of the three Sports Authority of India (SAI) athletes from Kerala who attempted suicide at water sports centre at Vembanad is improving, a doctor looking after their treatment said.

The three sports girls, who are being treated at the intensive care unit of the Medical College here, had consumed a poisonous fruit on being reprimanded for consuming an alcoholic drink.

"Today (Friday) morning they spoke to us. Of the three, the condition of one girl, Shilpa, was a bit serious, but she also spoke to us. Things are improving," Suma told media.

Sports Authority of India Director General Injeti Srinivas, who arrived here on Thursday night, told reporters that a hotline has been established with an expert team of medical professionals at AIIMS in New Delhi.

"After hearing the treatment protocol...they (AIIMS officials) have expressed their satisfaction. There will be regular contacts with the medical team that has been formed at AIIMS," said Srinivas.

Four girl athletes after being admonished by the sports centre officials on Wednesday evening for drinking beer ate a poisonous fruit. One of them, Aparna, died on early Thursday and the other three were under medical treatment since Wednesday night.

On Friday, Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala visited the three athletes at the hospital and also went to the home of Aparna.

"I have asked for the inclusion of a lady IPS official in the police probe team. All aspects will be probed into," said Chennithala.

Geetha, mother of Aparna, has given him a written complaint that two senior girl students and a coach are responsible for her daughter's suicide.

"In another eight months, my daughter would have completed her training and got a job. She was always concerned about me and had promised me that with her job she will take care of me," said Geetha.

Police have recovered a note the four athletes wrote. It does not have mention their being ragged or harassed by seniors, but it does say that for a small mistake committed by them, they were being taken to task.

The family members of the athletes, however, have been stating that their daughters were under severe pressure from their seniors and officials.