Milkha Singh has no hopes for Rio

“Doping has spread like cancer in athletics. It needs to be dealt with at the earliest. 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 if it’s their first time. If found guilty again, ban them for life,” Milkha suggested, speaking on the sidelines of an event in the city.

“A lot of Indian athletes have also been caught doping. They not only brought shame upon themselves and their parents but also to the country. And that is something I cannot digest. We got independence after a lot of struggle and sacrifices so I urge them to respect it,” the Flying Sikh said.

On being asked if a sportsperson should chase national awards and money, he quipped, “Why should an athlete chase 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 are taken care of by the authorities.”

On his hopes from the Indian contingent at the Rio Olympics he minced no words, “In athletics, none. I don’t expect any of them to win a medal. Forget getting onto the podium, I do not even see our athletes making the semifinal stage in track events.”

Milkha was also unhappy with the current athletics administration in the country. “We need to hire coaches on a contract basis. Give them a prospect who runs 100 metres in about 11 seconds and give the coaches four months’ time to reduce that to 10. If the coaches don’t deliver, get new ones,” he said.

“I do not blame the Ministry for the current state of Indian athletics. I blame the athletes, coaches and the National Federation.”