Seeing Monika Devi, the Indian Weightlifter crying at a press conference in a helpless, or should I say infantile effort to emphasize her innocence in the latest doping controversy made me wonder how we comprehend the act. I feel that she is innocent, not because of the tears she shed but because of the fact that Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWF) is backing her claims of innocence plus the shoddy way in which dope testing is done in India is not news anymore. In addition to that, the politics and regionalism involved in Indian sports is no secret. But does crying in front of the nation help? I seriously donât think so, and neither do statements like âshoot me if I am found guiltyâ. You internationally acclaimed sports people are our national heroes and represent our country to the world outside. You are an inspiration to thousands of aspiring sportsmen. You carry hopes of a nation whenever and wherever you perform. Canât you remain composed for a press conference? I am sorry but you donât have my sympathy. Rather, what you did is lamentable. And the feeling was ‘pity’ in case of the infamous Kapil Dev episode. As the scenes of the conference are shown again and again on all news channels, the only two words I would utter, if at all, would be âpoor girlâ.Â
The fact is, many believe that she should not have been part of the squad going to Beijing, because Shailaja Pujari was a better performer as per the trials. Monika had found the berth because of the politics involved. I guess now its déjà vu for her!
Via cnnibn
Tags: Controversy, crying, doping, IWF, kapil dev, Monika Devi, Olympics, Sports, World