Thai lifters fail drug test
Filipino weightlifters will have one less major obstacle to deal with in their quest for honors in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games as powerhouse Thailand is expected to pull out in the wake of doping violations involving Thai lifters.
In a communication sent by Thai Amateur Weightlifting Association (TAWA) general secretary Niwat Limsuknirun last March 7, the Thai body announced its intention to voluntarily withdraw its athletes from international meets.
“Thai athletes will not participate in any international events and/or championships from now on until the situation unfolded,” TAWA said.
Eight Thai weighlifters recently tested positive for banned substances at last year’s IWF World Championships, two of whom are the reigning Olympic champions.
TAWA said it has formed an investigative committee to sort out the mess but in the meantime, all Thai weightlifters would sit out every international competition, including the 2020 Olympics.
“That’s good news for us; it boosts our chances for the SEA Games gold,” said Phl weightlifting chief Monico Puentevella.
The Thais had won six golds, one silver and two bronze medals the last time a full complement of weightlifting events was played in the SEAG in 2013 with Hidilyn Diaz accounting for Phl lone medal, a silver, that time. Two years ago, with only five events – all in the men’s division – the Thais had 1-1-1 behind Vietnam’s 2-2-0 and Indonesia’s 2-1-2.
“With the Thais out, I think Malaysia and Indonesia and Vietnam will be our toughest rivals,” said Puentevella.
Following the doping results, the Thais said they’re also skipping the Tokyo Olympiad as well its qualifying meets.
“Thai athletes will not participate in the Tokyo Olympic Games, including the qualification events,” said TAWA, which, however, retained its rights to host the Olympics-qualifying world meet in September.
“So as to express our accountability for Thai nation and all member federations of IWF, TAWA will carry on hosting the 2019 IWF World Championships from Sept. 18-27. In this qualification for Tokyo 2020 event, there will not be Thai athletes participate (sic). Therefore, the championships in Pattaya, Thailand, wil be existed (sic) under the standard of clean sport organizing which will be much honored for all.”