Athlete becomes coach 10 yrs after failing gender test

Tamil Nadu-based athlete Santhi Soundarajan, who was stripped of her silver medal after failing a gender test at the Asian Games in 2006 has been appointed as a state-level coach in a permanent capacity. She was working on a contractual basis before this and had to take recourse to working as a daily wage labourer to earn her living. Santhi, who has won medals at several international track and

field events, has been appointed as an athletic trainer in a permanent capacity with the state Sports Development Authority. Her salary would be Rs. 30,000 and other benefits. Santhi plans to file a petition in the Madras High Court asking the central government to get her 2006 silver medal at Asian Games restored through the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Banned from participating in athletics events, and all her achievements struck off the record, Santhi fell into despair and even tried to kill herself.

Sports Minister ‘Ma Foi’ Pandiarajan K told Deccan Chronicle that the move was a bid to “restore dignity” of a Tamil sportswoman. He also said he was looking to get in touch with Indian Olympic Association and Sports Authority of India to take up her case at the Court of Arbitration: a step forward for her to reclaim her medals.