India's ace shuttler Saina Nehwal said she is aware that weightlifters and athletes do consume drugs and that they do it knowingly.


Saina Nehwal

"It's not that they are not aware of it, everyone is aware of WADA rules. I know many athletes and weightlifters actually take it. But I was shocked to see that all of them who won a gold medal have been caught," said the 21-year-old Hyderabadi, who was in the city yesterday to unveil a watch brand.

"Even if I have fever I first need to ask my doctor and check if the medicine contains any banned elements. I know of some weightlifters and athletes who have come and told me that they take it (banned substance). I don't know why they do that," added Nehwal.