AAFI ready to test record-breakers

NEW DELHI, JULY 8. The Amateur Athletic Federation of India (AAFI) is prepared to test the National record-breakers in future meets, beginning with the circuit meet in Bangalore on July 17.

This was stated by the AAFI Secretary, Mr. Lalit Bhanot, here on Saturday. Mr. Bhanot was reacting to P.T. Usha's demand for such a testing procedure to ensure that the record- setters were `clean.'

All the athletes who set records in the recent circuit meet at Bangalore would be tested, Mr. Bhanot said. Asked whether there would be any point in collecting urine samples for testing, days after the meet, he said that from now on the procedure would be different. He said that samples would be collected prior to the meet and after it, in case a record was set.

The tests would have to be carried out in the Sports Authority of India (SAI) laboratory here, because of the costs involved in getting them done at accredited labs abroad, Mr. Bhanot said. ``If need be, we are prepared to send the samples abroad also,'' he said.

Mr. Bhanot said that the AAFI was already in the process of carrying out tests of national record-setters. The suggestion had come earlier also, including at last year's AAFI- organised seminar at the NIS, Patiala. Those who made such a demand at that time included Kanwaljit Sandhu, the first Indian woman to win a gold in the Asian Games.

The SAI lab here is in the process of upgradation in order to meet the accreditation requirements. Two German experts had been here a few months ago to evaluate the existing facilities and suggest additional equipment. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is hoping that the lab would be upgraded to gain accreditation in time for the Afro-Asian Games next year.

- Our Special Correspondent

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Sport
Next     : Anand off to victorious start