New Delhi, May 21
Athletics Federation of India today condoled the passing of its Medical Commission Chairman Dr. Arun Kumar Mendiratta, 60, due to Covid-19 related complications in a hospital here. He was also associated with the Asian Athletics Association for over 25 years.
AFI President Adille J Sumariwalla said Dr. Mendiratta would always be remembered for his contribution to athletics. “He led AFI’s relentless fight against age-fraud and doping. He was also the architect of our no-needles policy. Soft-spoken and genial, Dr. Mendiratta will be missed by the athletics community. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” he said.
The widely-travelled and respected Dr. Mendiratta had the reputation of remaining fearless and committed to the cause of Indian athletics in the face of adverse situations on the age-fraud and doping fronts. He also made it a point to attend all National Junior Championships and National Youth Championships to oversee the weeding out of athletes who attempted to fudge their age.
Dr Mehndiratta was also the Chief Medical Officer appointment by Indian Olympic Association for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics 2020. He had accompanied Indian teams at various World Championships, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and Olympics during his long career with Indian sports.
