IOA orders comprehensive tests for Asiad players and staff

All the national sports federations have asked to submit reports on thorough medical examinations of the athletes and the officials accompanying the teams.

The IOA has asked the national sports federations to report any medical issues of athletes, that may prevent them from being at their best in the Asian Games.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has asked all the national sports federations whose athletes are scheduled to compete in the Asian Games in Indonesia, to ensure a thorough medical screening and submit the reports by August 10.

Notably, the medical tests are meant not only for all the athletes, but also the officials accompanying the contingent.

The details sought include habits like smoking and drinking, with clear questions about 'number of cigarettes per day' and 'number of glasses per day'.

Read: IOA, sports ministry to bear cost of Asiad kits

The IOA has categorically stated that it would be the responsibility of the national sports federations to ensure the athletes and officials for the Asian Games 'are in optimal physical and psychological conditions to carry out their Games time duties at the best'.

The federations have also been asked to report the sickness or medical issues of athletes, that may prevent them from being at their best in the Asian Games, 'in writing at the earliest'.

Starting with ear, nose and throat, there are questions about the overall conditions of the various organs, both internal and external, without any exceptions, including the glands, kidney, nervous system etc.

There is also a question about serious illness in the family and more importantly about the intake of 'food supplements' and 'medication for sports performance'.

Quite interestingly, to guarantee compliance, the IOA expects all the procedures to be completed before it hands over the accreditation of the athletes and officials for the Asian Games.