Supplements provided by IWF under scanner after dope hearing

The federation’s job is to procure supplements and the physiotherapist associated with the team had given them to the players VIJAY SHARMA, chief coach

NEW DELHI: The Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWF) could be in some bother after the National Anti-doping Agency (NADA) panel, headed by Sanjay Mani Tripathi, said the government should investigate the contents of the supplements given by it to core group weightlifters.

Five top lifters in the national camp had allegedly tested positive for testosterone, banned by the World Anti-doping Agency (WADA), during out-of-competition tests at Patiala.

All five lifters had given in writing to NADA that they had consumed supplements like Tribulus and Test X-plode made by Weider. The company confirmed that its products were dope free, with the exception of Tribulus, Terrestris, Tri Complex Tribulus, Super Nova Caps and Testo X-plode as these substances could lead to higher testosterone levels.

On Monday, the panel observed, “There is need for a thorough investigation to find out who is responsible for polluting the atmosphere.” It also questioned why the IWF was procuring supplements from the same company since 2009.

Tripathi, while hearing the anti-doping violation case of lifters Geeta Devi, Manpreet Kaur and Harkirat Kaur, observed that India wasn’t a big name in sport and doping incidents brought shame to the nation.

After examining the documents, he said, “We should have a healthy atmosphere. Our top players should lead a healthy way of life as the government is spending a huge amount of money on training as well as exposure tours. But all efforts go waste if the federation isn’t able to control the menace.”

During the first hearing, the three lifters had said that chief coach Vijay Sharma had given them the supplement which alleg edly resulted in the positive tests Sharma washed his hands off the issue saying he had no role to play

“The federation’s job is to procure supplements and the physiotherapist associated with the team had given them to the players.” Incidentally, the physi otherapist had quit, he added.

When the panel asked who decided what should be given to the players, Sharma replied “The players decide which sup plement they want and they are given accordingly,” he said.

Sharma blamed the lifters for purchasing supplements from outside, and said that was responsible for the positive tests He maintained that those given by the federation were clean.