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Sonowal 'deeply aggrieved' over Kerala athlete athlete

by IBNS 07 May 2015, 09:58 am

Alappuzha, May 7 (IBNS): Union Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Thursday said he was deeply aggrieved by the death of an athlete in Kerala and directed the Director General of SAI to rush to the spot and give him a factual report on the incident.

In an apparent suicide pact, three athletes are left in a serious condition while another died after reportedly consuming  a poisonous fruit.

The athletes were  training at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Water Sports Centre, reports said.

Sonowal said: "I am deeply aggrieved by the incident that has happened in Kerala. The young girl who has died was a very promising sportsperson. It is a big loss to the country in general and Sports Authority of India and sports fraternity in particular. I convey my condolences to the bereaved family. We will give all possible help to the bereaved family."

He said: "Three girls are still undergoing treatment. I pray for their speedy recovery. To provide them the best possible treatment is our top priority."

"Local police is investigating the matter. I have also directed the Director General of SAI to rush to the spot and give me a factual report. I have specifically directed him to ensure that the best possible treatment is made available to the three girls who are undergoing treatment," the Minister said.

"While law will take its own course, at this stage I would only like to say that if anyone from Sports Authority of India is found guilty in connection with this tragic incident, strictest possible action will be taken against him or her," he said.