Accidents in sporting events are a part and parcel of an event’s aesthetics. As per International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) standards, an ambulance is supposed to stay on standby at all times. However, that was not the case at the Junior Federation Cup in Kanteereva on Wednesday.
While attempting her first pole vault at 2.80 m, Kerala athlete Shani Shaji suffered a severe fall. Her initial jump was fine, but she had an awkward landing, which saw her break into tears. With the absence of an ice-pack or a first aid kit, the officials made an immediate announcement for the ambulance.
Since there was no ambulance, nobody responded, Shaji was lying down on the sidelines in pain, before she was taken to a private care then to the hospital. Kerala state coach PP Paul said, “She suffered a major ankle fracture, she could be out for a long time now. I’m guessing at least three months. If the medical officials would’ve reacted faster, it could’ve saved us time.”
The only medical official at the venue had two tubes of Soframycin ointment, available with him.
This is the second major infrastructural lapse by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) officials, in two weeks time. Last week, a power cut at JLN stadium saw, Amiya Mallick miss out an Olympic qualification spot in the Men’s 100 m event.
Admitting the infrastructural lapse, a source within the Karnataka Amateur Athletics Association said, “We actually had an ambulance in the first day, and everything was going according to plan. So, we decided not to book it for the second day. Also, the medical officials weren’t present at the venue, during the event. We admit that it is our fault, and we had a meeting to discuss the financials. We will be paying the entire medical expenses for her.”
The third day saw a late start as senior AFI officials instructed the office bearers to only begin, with the presence of an ambulance.
The second day also saw Chandigarh’s Pankaj Mallik qualify for the World Junior Championships, by winning gold in the Men’s 400m event. He clocked a timing of 47.10 seconds.
