Doping scandal: 21 Indian weightlifters test positive for banned substance, get provisional suspensions

Indian weightlifting was hit by one of the biggest doping scandals in recent years after 21 lifters tested positive for banned substances. The Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWF) has provisionally suspended the lifters, who tested positive across different championships — both out-of-competition and in-competition. The maximum numbers of offenders were caught at the National Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships held in Yamunanagar in January. [caption id=“attachment_2185311” align=“alignleft” width=“380” class=" “]  Representational image. AFP[/caption] Over the years, Indian weightlifting has repeatedly encountered the menace of doping. “Yes, 21 lifters have tested positive and have been provisionally suspended, pending the result of their ‘B’ sample tests. Their ‘B’ sample tests are awaited,” IWF secretary general Sahdev Yadav said on Saturday. “This can be called one of the biggest catches in recent times, but one has to take into consideration that it includes competitions at Universities, Police Games, Railways etc.” In case their ‘B’ sample tests return positive, first-time offenders face the prospect of being banned for four years. The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has increased the ban period of first-time dope offenders to a maximum of four years from two, effective from January 1, 2015. The IWF has also thought of imposing a year-long ban on the states of Delhi, Punjab and Haryana for returning highest number of dope cases of late. The lifters from these states would not be able to take part in any competition till the end of the ban. According to IWF rules, in case of two or more doping violations in a 12-month period in tests conducted by the IWF or NADA, a state federation could be suspended from participating in any activities of the IWF for a period of up to two years. PTI