Excessive Use of Caffeine Can Hurt Athletes: Pakistan Sports Medicine Expert

Patna: Aug. 2, 2008

Members of the Indian Association of Sports Medicines (Bihar chapter) in Patna on Saturday welcomed Dr. Parvez Rizevi, the General Secretary of the Pakistan Sports Medicine Association, at a press conference held to highlight the need for increased awareness concerning usage of prescription drugs by the athletes.

"Today, those involved in competitive sports, particularly in the international arena, are routinely being tested for illegal drug substance in their blood system. Their personal and professional lives could be ruined if they are found to be guilty. That is why it is of utmost importance for the sportsmen and sportswomen to understand what drugs are okay to take and what drugs could seriously jeopardize their professional career," Dr. Rizevi said.

"Even too much caffeine in the system caused by drinking coffee in excess could bar the sportsmen from participating in competitive sports," he said.

Dr. Farasat Hussain, the President of the Indian Sports Medicine, said that India would soon have its own drug-testing laboratory to expedite testing for professional athletes.

"Currently we have to send the samples to a lab in Singapore that is not only cost-prohibitive but also very time consuming," Dr. Hussain said.

Among others to speak on the occasion included Dr. Amulya Kumar Singh and Dr. Alok Mishra.