Positive-ly busted

Malaysia’s hopes of drug-free SEA Games down the drain

KUALA LUMPUR: Three athletes at the recent Kuala Lumpur SEA Games, including a Malaysian gold medallist, have tested positive for a banned substance.

The SEA Games Federation (SEAGF) are finalising details of the tests and will reveal the athletes involved in the coming weeks.

SEA Games medical committee chairman Datuk Dr S.S. Cheema said that they have received all the test results.

“I can confirm that we have three positive results. For now, we are not able to give out any details as there are some analysis that have not reached us.

“The Federation will release the findings soon,” he said yesterday.

Meanwhile, Malaysia’s hopes of a drug-free SEA Games have gone bust.

Malaysia were hoping to emulate their achievement at the Singapore Games in 2015 where no one tested positive.

Instead, the National Sports Council (NSC) and the National Sports Institute (NSI) have been left red-faced when it was learned that a Malaysian gold medallist is among the three who tested positive.

The two others are said to be from different countries.

The NSC and NSI had assured that no Malaysian would test positive under their zero-tolerance policy, which saw almost 80% of the Malaysian contingent being tested prior to the Games.

All three athletes, if confirmed, can have their B samples tested as well.

Only then will the SEAGF conduct an inquiry and take further action.

But the athletes are likely to be suspended indefinitely until the case is resolved.

Malaysian won the overall title of the 29th edition of the SEA Games with 145 gold medals.

For now, we are not able to give out any details as there are some analysis that have not reached us.

Datuk Dr S.S Cheema