Kiran Pahal Claims National Camp Food Caused Her Food Poisoning; AFI Laughs Off Claims

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Kiran Pahal, after her stunning 50.92 seconds run at the National Inter-State Athletics Championships 2024, claimed that the food provided at the national camp in Trivandrum was the reason for her drop in performance last season following a strong 2022 season. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) laughed off such claims.

The 23-year-old quarter-miler, who has been in and out of the national camp since 2019, claimed that the food led to poisoning, leading to poor health and subsequently poor performances in the range of 54-55 seconds.

Speaking after her Paris Olympics qualification in Panchkula, Kiran said, "There was a dip in my performance last season prior to my injury because the food at the national camp didn't suit me. I am a vegetarian, and there's not much food option for somebody like me at the national camp. Because of that, I had food poisoning during the competition, which led to several other issues."

Before her decline in form in 2024, Kiran Pahal had clocked an impressive 51.84 seconds personal best in Karnal early in the 2022 season. This was followed by three sub-53 timings, marking her as a promising prospect for the future. However, all that was squandered in 2023, where she clocked a poor 56.03 seconds by the end of the season.

However, AFI president Adille Sumariwalla laughed off these claims, asserting that the food provided at the national camps, funded by the Sports Authority of India, is of the best quality. He criticised Pahal's comments as irresponsible.

"These are loose statements because there are other athletes in the 400m national camp in Trivandrum who have done exceptionally well for India today and recently," Sumariwalla told myKhel, referring to the success of the men's and women's relay 400m teams that have qualified for the Paris Olympics.

He added, "Athletes need to learn that they have to stop cribbing and making all these statements. If you want to run away from the camp, then do that, but don't blame the government for it. The government is providing them with nutritionists and the best possible food."