Hafifi gets heave-ho
Weightlifter may face four-year ban after testing positive for steroid
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian sport has suffered another blow after reigning Commonwealth Games weightlifting gold medallist Hafifi Mansor tested positive for anabolic steroid.
A Malaysian female SEA Games gold medallist diver is already awaiting the result of her B sample after her A sample tested positive for sibutramine, a stimulant commonly found in slimming products.
This came in the wake of the rape incident in the national diving team, with assistant coach Huang Qiang being charged in court.
While the female diver can expect a lighter sentence for her doping offence, Hafifi may be banned for four years despite this being his first doping offence.
The International Weightlifting Federation ( IWF) announced on their official website that they had provisionally suspended Hafifi for testing positive for the anabolic steroid oxymetholone.
Hafifi may have to forget about defending his title at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games next April if his B sample also comes out positive as oxymetholone is a performance-enhancing substance, which boosts the production of red blood cells and promotes muscle growth.
It is viewed as a serious offence by the World AntiDoping Agency (WADA) and is placed under the S1 (anabolic agents) category.
Malaysian Weightlifting Federation ( MWF) president Datuk Ong Poh Eng, however, said that they are in the dark regarding the issue and would seek clarification from IWF.
“We only found out about this yesterday (Thursday). We’re a bit unclear on the details, like when the test was conducted.
“From what we understand, the sample was taken during an event in Melbourne in March.
“However, this is something I will have to confirm with IWF.
“I met Hafifi today and he denied taking anything (with banned substances).
“Whatever it is, I’ll have to get more details before we can decide on what action to take,” said Poh Eng.
It is believed that the urine sample was taken during the Australian Open in Melbourne in March.
Hafifi won the men’s below 69kg gold medal.
Hafifi, who did not compete in the KL SEA Games in August due to a hip injury, could not be reached for comment.