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‘Our aim is to give our best, Zika... Bika, we will take care of’
The dreaded Zika virus may be of serious concern to some taking part in next month's Rio Olympics, but Indian shot put hopeful Inderjeet Singh just brushed it aside and said that it was unlikely to trouble the country's 100-plus contingent at the Games.
"The whole world is coming there and Indians are very much fit for Zika virus. We need not worry about that. Our aim is to give our best there, Zika... Bika, we will take care of," he said eliciting peals of laughter from the audience at the felicitation function organised by his employers, Indian Oil Corporation.
Inderjeet, bronze medallist at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, wants his personal coach Pritam Singh, brother of two-time Olympian Shakti Singh, to accompany him and guide him at the Games.
"Preparations are good and in form. Yes, the only support I want from the government this time is, please send my coach Pritam Singh with me (to the Olympics).
"I need him at this stage," said Inderjeet, who is ranked number one in the country and Asia in shot put.
While agreeing to undergo dope tests, Inderjeet said the way they are done should not put pressure on players.
"This year, after coming from the US, I have been tested six times. The first time was in Delhi and after that six more times. It's blood test or urine test as they decide," said the athlete.
"Last year I had been tested on more than ten occasions. In the last one and a half months I have given samples five-six times. They have tested me at home. I have to give them my whereabouts.
"Yesterday I was planning to go and watch (Bollywood movie) Sultan. We have to tell that also (to testers). It puts the athlete under pressure. I don't think this is right. The athlete can be tested when he goes for competition. I have not skipped any doping test," he said.
"I am always available to be tested. At least inform one day before, but they say if we inform you will run away. I was in Bangalore for two days and both days I had given samples."
The 28-year-old athlete was candid to say even his career-best effort of 20.65 metres was not good enough for him to get a medal in Rio.
"My best performance is not that good to get me a medal in the Olympics, that's the truth. I will try my best to be in the finals and give my best. Olympic medal winners will be at 21-plus. Last year in most competitions, I have thrown 20.40, 20.50. I am keeping my fingers crossed."