Sania wants Venus’ Olympic medal, appeals to federation
As reports have emerged that Rio Olympics silver medallist Venus Williams has allegedly been allowed to use prohibited substances under Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs) clause, Indian tennis star Sania Mirza has demanded that AITA takes up the matter with the appropriate authorities but the national body says it won’t rush into it.
Sania and Rohan Bopanna had lost their mixed doubles semifinals at the Rio Olympics to American combo of Venus and Rajeev Ram, who ended up as silver medallists.
According to sources, Sania’s mother Naseema called up AITA head honcho Anil Khanna on Thursday and asked him to look into the matter.
“She informed that Williams sisters have failed WADA dope test and we should take it up with the IOA (Indian Olympics Association) and IOC (International Olympic Committee),” a federation source said.
A senior AITA functionary confirmed the development.
“Based on just some news we can’t make a claim, the process has to be followed. We need to approach IOA, IOA will then
Based on just some news we can’t make a claim, the process has to be followed. We need to approach IOA, IOA will then takes it up to IOC because the Olympics is their purview. We can’t jump the gun An AITA official
takes it up to IOC because the Olympics is their purview. We can’t jump the gun,” the officebearer told PTI.
“We will have to wait. Whatever needs to be done, we will do it. We are waiting for actual facts to be revealed officially.
“If the news proves to be wrong, we will lose face. This is the perfect stand that we have taken. We are not going to rush it.”
It has also been reported that ITF has confirmed that the Williams sisters had permission for the therapeutic use of banned drugs. With ITF coming out in favour of the Williams sisters, this particular attempt at getting a medal is likely to stay a fantasy.