Asiad medallist forced to work in brick kiln

CNN-IBN | 24-Jul 11:23 AM

New Delhi: A dark side of Indian athletics has come to the fore yet again as 2006 Doha Asiad silver medallist Santhi Soundarajan works as a daily wage labourer in a brick factory, as reported by the national daily Times of India.

This came after she was stripped off her medal for failing a gender test. It was only downhill from there, Santhi's name and achievements were erased from the athletics records and she was left without a job.

Santhi, who hails from Kathakuruchi in Tamil Nadu, now earns just Rs 200 per day, her parents also work at the same brick unit.

Santhi said she was forced to take up this work after her appeals to the distict authorities for job fell on deaf ears. "My life is very difficult as I earn only Rs 200 working in a brick factory," Santhi said.

Santhi said she wanted a government job.

Athletics Federation of India President Adille Sumariwalla said that the federation was not responsible for giving Santhi a job and that it was the responsibility of the state government.

The Indian Olympic Association Chief VK Malhotra has promised to look into the case and do what it takes to help her.

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