Suspend guilty once, then keep them out: Milkha Singh

In the wake of recent dope allegations in athletics, sprint legend Milkha Singh wanted the guilty to be suspended on the first instance and banned for life, if caught again.

“Doping is something that has spread like cancer in the athletics fraternity. It needs to be attended at the earliest,” Milkha said on the sidelines of an event in the city.

“Doping is possible only with the consent of the coach and doctor. Otherwise how will an athlete get access to drugs If an athlete is found guilty of doping suspend them along with the coach and doctor for the first time. If found guilty again ban them for life.

“A lot of Indian athletes have also been caught. They not only brought shame to themselves, their parents but also to the country. And that is something I cannot digest. I always tell Indians across the world to not bring a bad name to India. We got Independence after a lot of struggle and sacrifices so I urge them to respect it,” the Flying Sikh said.

Asked if athletes should chase national awards and ask for money, he quipped, “Why should an athlete run behind awards or money Your duty is to train hard and deliver not to run behind awards. You perform consistently and let the sports ministry decide if you deserve a Khel Ratna or an Arjuna. Why does an athlete need money Training camps are held, boarding, lodging and travel is taken care by the authorities. I do not see the need for athletes demanding money either.”

Slamming the country’s leading athletes like Tintu Luka — 800 meters runner — wanting to travel abroad and train, the 86-year-old said, “Why would one want to travel abroad for training You will go there and do what Work hard. You can do that here as well. World class facilities have been provided by the government make use of them. Do some cross country running, climb the hill, eat clean and train harder. There is nothing different that one can do going abroad.”

On his hopes from the Indian contingent at the Rio Olympics he said, “In athletics, none. I don’t see any of them winning a medal. Forget getting on the podium, I do not see our athletes making the semi-final stage in track events.”

Milkha was unhappy with the current athletics administration in the country.

“I do not blame the ministry for the current apathy of Indian athletics. I blame the athletes, coaches and association,” he concluded.