DELHI TEST CRUCIAL FOR LIFTER’S FUTURE
MWF say an independent person will observe the procedure in India
THE Malaysian weightlifter, who failed a pre-Gold Coast Commonwealth Games doping screening, will not be travelling to India to witness the B sample test.
Malaysian Weightlifting Federation (MWF) acting secretary Abu Hanapah Ismail said an independent observer will be appointed to witness the procedure on the weightlifter’s behalf.
The National Anti-Doping Agency of Malaysia (Adamas) had conducted the screening prior to the Commonwealth Games and sent the sample to an World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited lab in Delhi.
“According to Adamas, the B sample will be tested within seven to 14 days from April 26 (the day which Adamas confirmed the case),” said Abu Hanapah.
“The athlete will not be travelling to India to witness the test, an independent observer will be appointed.”
The weightlifter’s A sample was found to contain the banned anabolic steroid stanozolol.
Athletes whose A samples test positive have the right to witness their B sample being tested, as national shuttler Lee Chong Wei, diver Wendy Ng and fellow weightlifter Hafifi Mansor did in the past.
However, the various costs involved to do so can be a problem especially for those who are not big names in the sport.
Meanwhile, Hafifi, who also tested positive for an anabolic steroid at the Australian Open last year will go through a hearing for his case next month.
“The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) have asked us to conduct a hearing as they want to obtain more information about Hafifi’s case,” added Abu Hanapah.
“We will arrange for the hearing to be held after the MWF annual general meeting (AGM) next month before we forward our findings to IWF. Hafifi will be able to defend himself at the hearing.”
The use of performance enhancing drugs such as anabolic steroids is viewed very seriously by WADA and those found guilty will be slapped with a mandatory four-year ban.
MWF’s AGM-cum-elections will be held at the Olympic Council of Malaysia headquarters in Kuala Lumpur on May 12.