National record holder Maheswary finished second in triple jump event yesterday with an effort of 16.64m. He took part in the September 7-10 event after his Arjuna Award was put on hold following an inquiry by the Sports Ministry on whether he had been punished for dope offence in 2008.
"I was taking part in Open Nationals after my Arjuna Award was put om hold by the Sports Ministry. I was taking part despite the mental stress I was having for the last few days. Naturally, that has affected me," Maheswary told PTI from Ranchi before heading home today.
Despite the controversy surrounding his dope issue, Maheswary said that he remains positive that he will get out of it and will bring laurels to the country in the Commonwealth and Asian Games next year.
"The season is over and I will take rest for around 15 days at home. Then I will start training at NIS Patiala. My aim now is to do well in the Commonwealth and Asian Games next year," he said.
It has been nearly two weeks now that the government has not taken a decision on Maheswary even as the Athletics Federation of India has told Sports Ministry that it has no record of the triple jumper having punished for dope offence.
Asked when a decision can be expected, Sports Secretary P K Deb told PTI: "Sports Minister is abroad now and he will come back only on September 16. We will take a decision only after that.