Santhi: A victim of neglect

Chennai:

It's not clear yet what forced Santhi to attempt suicide almost nine months after she was stripped of her medal at Doha following her failure in a gender test.

But psychiatric experts point fingers at the Athletic Federation of India for not giving her psychiatric counseling, something recommended by the Olympic Council of Asia, which withdrew her medal.

"Santhi would have greatly benefited if some professional had come to help her overcome the trauma and to get on with something that's feasible," said Dr N Rangarajan, Psychiatrist.

While the Athletic Federation of India says Santhi was not keen on this, fearing further humiliation, the Tamil Nadu government that honoured her with a prize of Rs 15 lakh, has now come forward to give her the healing touch.

"Whatever she requires including professional counseling, we are ready to give her. We recognise her as an ace athlete," said M Raman, Secretary, Department of Sports, Tamil Nadu.

While the police are probing in many different angles, this issue has brought to light the sad state of those having gender problems, yet again.