National NEWS
Gill Raps IWF for Six Lifters Testing Positive for Drugs
November 16, 2009 Visionmp.com news service
Union Sports Minister MS Gill has said that the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWF) owes an explanation and an apology to the country for the dope scandals that may lead to the humiliation of a third international ban.
Delivering a strongly-worded speech at the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan Sports Meet in New Delhi, he said that IWF authorities have to explain how six lifers returned positive for banned substances in WADA tests.
“Recently, a number of weightlifters tested positive for banned substances. That has brought shame to the country and IWF is facing international punishment. The senior IWF officials owe an explanation to the country and express regret for the dope offence by the lifters,” Gill said.
“They (the weightlifting officials) should take moral responsibility and do whatever to eliminate doping from weightlifting,” he added.
It should be noted that in the out-of-competition tests held by WADA in September in Pune, six lifters tested positive for banned substances and India, subsequently, is almost certain to be banned in the executive committee meeting of the International Weightlifting Federation in Korea on Wednesday.
According to international rules, a national body can be banned for a maximum of four year term with fines if three or more lifters return positive for banned substances in a calendar year.
In the event of India getting a year’s ban, country will face humiliation of being barred from fielding its lifters in the October 3-14, 2010 Commonwealth Games.
On the possibility of Indian lifters missing the Commonwealth Games, Gill said that the country would have to suffer for the wrongs done by some lifters.
“What can we do? If there is to be a ban so be it. The only thing is because of the lifters taking drugs, the country will have to suffer,” he said.
Gill said that dope cheats will be dealt with sternly and his ministry will take tough action.
“Stay away from drugs. The world bodies have taken strong resolve to eliminate this menace and give stern punishment to drug offenders. We fully stand by this. I want medals from our athletes in Olympics and world events. But I want medals won with honour. Mujhe benami ka medal nahin chahiye (I don’t want medal won by disgrace),” Gill thundered to the children assembled.
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