Date:22/07/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/07/22/stories/2006072211402100.htm

Sport - Weightlifting

IWF bans Indian federation

Sports Reporter

NEW DELHI: The International Weightlifting Federation has slapped a one-year ban and a fine of $50,000 on the Indian federation after four of its lifters tested positive before and during the Melbourne Commonwealth Games.

The Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWF) had received a letter to this effect a few days ago, stating that the ban will continue till March 2007. In the event of non-payment of the fine, the ban would be stretched by another year, which would definitely put India's Olympic participation at risk as they would miss the Olympic qualifiers.

"We are trying our best to raise the necessary funds (approx. Rs. 22.5 lakh) to pay the fine," said the IWF Secretary, Balbir Singh Bhatia. "Our efforts are on, but if we fail to collect the amount then there will be no other option than to accept a suspension till March 2008," he said.

Two women lifters Shailaja Pujari and B. Prameelavalli were tested positive by a WADA team that collected samples at the NIS, Patiala, while Tejinder Singh and Edwin Raju tested positive in Melbourne.

The four positives came within seven months after coming out of the one-year ban that came during the Athens Olympic Games. In 2004 Sunaina tested positive at Asian championship and in the same calendar year, Pratima Kumari and Sanamacha Chanu failed the dope at Athens Olympics.

The ban, however, excludes domestic tournaments, which would go on as scheduled, Mr. Bhatia said.