Didn’t have any issue during my race: Kavita Raut

Marathon runner Kavita Raut on Wednesday sought to steer clear of the O.P. Jaisha controversy, asserting that there was “enough water” for her during the gruelling marathon event in the Rio Olympics.

Jaisha, the second Indian participant in the marathon race, stoked a controversy by alleging that Athletics Federation of India officials did not arrange for water and energy drinks during the race in scorching heat, a claim denied by the AFI.

Kavita, who finished 120th in the race with a timing of 2 hrs 59 minutes and 29 seconds, said: “I don’t want to be involved in the Jaisha issue. I don’t want to speak about what she said or complained. I will speak for myself and as far as I am concerned I have no issues. It was a normal race for me though I felt thirsty along the way as we ran in scorching heat,” Kavita said from her home in Maharashtra.

“I don’t know at what intervals were the water stations kept. But there were water stations and I felt water was enough and that was why I completed the race without any problem,” she added.

Kavita made it clear that she was asked by AFI officials if she would need personalised drinks during the race. “They asked if I will need these personalised drinks. But I said I am not using personalised drinks,” said Kavita.

“I am not not in the habit of using these personalised drinks”