Sport - Weightlifting

Monika to seek ‘B’ sample test

NEW DELHI: The Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWF) on Thursday dropped the demand for a fresh test and instead favoured a sample ‘B’ test for Monika Devi. The decision came after discussions the federation had with the Sports Ministry and the Indian Olympic Association.

The Federation Secretary, Sqd Ldr B.R. Gulati, who had on Wednesday demanded a fresh test, said if Monika passed the ‘B’ sample test she would take part in the Olympics.

“A fresh test does not serve the purpose and that is why she is going for the sample ‘B’ test,” he told The Hindu.

The fact is there is nothing called a ‘fresh test’ in the international anti-doping scheme after an athlete tests positive in his/her ‘A’ sample. The only right an athlete has is to seek a ‘B’ sample test.

Gulati informed that Monika, who was to be tested in Beijing under the supervision of the World Anti-Doping Agency, could get a grace period to report for the Olympics. “This is not a technical thing, it’s only an administrative order. Since this is an exceptional case, she can get the extension,” he said.

Even though this was Gulati’s explanation, the International Federation has clearly stipulated that a lifter should be available at the Games Village eight days before his/her event to be tested by WADA.

It is also a moot point whether the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) will now reconsider the inclusion of Monika after all the publicity her case had received internationally.

Gulati ruled out any possibility of stand-bye lifter Shailaja Pujari replacing Monika. “As per the international federation’s stipulation, the athlete cannot be substituted,” he said.

In any case, the last date for submission of entries by the National Olympic Committees was July 23 and substitutions were to be allowed only in the case of injuries and other untoward eventualities.

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