Disgraced Asian Games medal winner found unconscious

Pudukottai, Tamil Nadu, Sep 5 (UNI) S Santhi, who was stripped of the silver medal she won at the Doha Asian Games last year after failing the gender test, was found unconscious outside her home, with police suspecting it to be a case of attempted suicide.

Police said Santhi who came second in the 800 metre run in Doha was apparently frustrated. She had returned to her home in Thatchakurichi, near here, this morning after a two-day trip to Chennai.

The neighbours found her unconscious with foaming mouth and rushed her immediately to the government headquarters hospital here where doctors declared her out of danger.

A local girl with little access to sophisticated training or diet had competed with the best in Asia and won a medal.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi had even announced a cash prize of Rs 15 lakh for Santhi.

However, since she failed the gender test, she was stripped of the medal, ending her dream run.

Though the exact reason was not known, police said they were conducting investigations.

UNI