KUALA LUMPUR: National hockey squad goalkeeper, S. Kumar has admitted that he is now much calmer than before in facing the controversy of a failed doping test during the Asia Cup Championship in Dhaka, Bangladesh, last October, more so after his son Siddtaa Pavanaj who is only nine months old was released from hospital.
The third son of the 28-year-old goalkeeper was hospitalized for four days because of a lung infection but he was discharged and allowed to return home last Friday, around the same time when Kumar had to face the heat after it was announced that he had tested positive for using the banned substance sibutramine which is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada).
"Yes, now I feel much better, and calmer where I can focus on facing this doping issue.
"My son now has his appetite back to drink milk but over the next two weeks we will need to take him for follow up treatment. Last week I endured worry and phobia after my son had to be warded in hospital.
"Now, I will try to think back and remember what food or drink that I may have accidentally consumed which might have to do with this doping issue,” he said.
Kumar explained that now they are just waiting for the date of the hearing by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) after a letter has already been sent to the sport’s world governing body via the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC).
"The FIH is closed until Wednesday next week (January 3) because of Christmas celebrations and New Year on Monday. After this period perhaps we will get to know the date of the hearing.
"If possible I hope the hearing can be carried out as soon as possible so that I may defend myself,” he stressed.
The vastly experienced goalkeeper who has 295 caps with the national team has been through trauma, heartache and sadness before when he lost his second son, Harsheen, 3, two years ago while in Antwerp, Belgium playing for the Malaysian Tigers in World Hockey League semi-final.