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Rio 2016: India picked radiologist as chief medical officer, says government

Hindustan Times | By, New Delhi
Nov 22, 2016 10:13 PM IST

While an injured Vinesh Phogat’s suffering left even her opponent distraught, the Chief Medical Officer of the Indian contingent, Pawandeep Singh, did not come forward to attend her despite being present in the arena.

Millions of Indian sports fans watching the Rio Olympics recoiled in horror when woman wrestler Vinesh Phogat collapsed on the mat writhing in pain following a knee injury during the 48kg quarterfinal against China’s Sun Yanan.

When Vinesh Phogat got injured during her women's freestyle 48 kg bout at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, she was treated on the mat by the local doctors while Pawandeep Singh (who is a radiologist and not a sports medicine specialist), Indian squad’s chief medical officer, did not step in despite being present at the venue.(PTI)
When Vinesh Phogat got injured during her women's freestyle 48 kg bout at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, she was treated on the mat by the local doctors while Pawandeep Singh (who is a radiologist and not a sports medicine specialist), Indian squad’s chief medical officer, did not step in despite being present at the venue.(PTI)

While her suffering left even her opponent distraught, the Chief Medical Officer of the Indian contingent did not come forward to attend her despite being present in the arena.

Read more | But first... let our Olympic athletes rest, Mr Vijay Goel

That was because he was a radiologist and not a sports medicine expert. After the choice of personnel raised a controversy during the Games in August, the government confirmed this in parliament on Tuesday.

Read more | It’s time to reflect on the odds that our athletes were up against in Rio

Pawandeep Singh’s inclusion in the support staff led to allegations of nepotism as well because his father, Tarlochan Singh, is a vice-president of the Indian Olympic Association. Pawandeep had also served as Chief Medical Officer in the South Asian Games.

CPI (M) Rajya Sabha MP, Ritabrata Banerjee, asked a question to the sports minister, Vijay Goel, whether a radiologist was sent as the Indian contingent’s doctor to Rio.

In his response, Goel provided details of the medical team which accompanied the squad to the house.

According to Goel, IOA has informed the sports ministry that Pawandeep is a radiologist while two others, Dr Kenjom Ngomidir, MBBS and PG diploma holder in sports medicine and Dr Rajkumar Singh Negi, MD with sub-speciality in musculoskeletal imaging, were also part of medical team.

Pawandeep’s presence in Brazil raised an uproar following media reports on a ‘pleasure trip’ of some.

Tarlochan defended his son’s inclusion in the contingent, claiming that Pawandeep was a qualified doctor and was also part of the Commonwealth Games and SAFF tournament.

Goel’s statement made no mention on whether the government planned to take any action on the issue.

Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Olympics 2024, where Indian athletes will compete for glory in Paris. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
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Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Olympics 2024, where Indian athletes will compete for glory in Paris. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
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