New Delhi, Oct 3: In an embarrassing incident for the organisers, stray dogs bit coaches from Kenya and Japan in separate incidents during the World Para Athletics Championships here on Friday.
Both victims, though, are out of danger after being treated at a nearby hospital.
Kenyan coach Dennis Maragia was speaking to one of his athletes outside the competition arena of the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, when a stray dog suddenly came and bit him, according to the official.
Later, the organisers also informed that Japanese coach Meiko Okumatsu was also bitten by a stray dog while she was supervising training of her athletes at the warm-up track adjacent to the main competition area.
“Our coach Mr Dennis was speaking to an athlete near the call room, and a stray dog came out from nowhere and bit him,” Joel Atuti, who accompanied the team as a government of Kenya representative, said.
“The incident happened around 10am. Blood was oozing out of his leg and the medical team stationed at the stadium reached there. He was taken to a hospital and given treatment, including injections,” he added. “He is otherwise fine, no problem as of now. He will take some medicines also.”
Call room is the area where the players assemble before their respective events. Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium has two call rooms both some meters away from the main competition arena. In some athletics events, call room is located just near the warm up area.
The organisers said both the coaches were immediately attended to and provided on-spot medical attention at the Athlete Medical Room. They were then taken to Safdarjung Hospital where they received appropriate treatment, after which they were taken to their respective team hotels.
“The Organising Committee reiterates its unwavering commitment to ensuring an uncompromised environment of safety, health, and security for athletes, officials, and spectators,” a statement from the organisers said. (PTI)
