Extensive doping control programme for CWG

New Delhi: Over 450 highly trained officials will handle the anti-doping measures, under the supervision of a nine-member CGF Medical Commission chaired by Malaysian Dr M Jegathesan, during the October 3-14 Commonwealth Games.

Commonwealth Games Federation, the nodal body to organize the anti-doping operation during the Games, has constituted the Commission, where Prof Manmohan Singh will be the only Indian member. Other members of the body come from different countries including Australia, Jamaica, Canada and Scotland. "This is the first time that such a big infrastructure for doping control is coming up in the country. It will be one of the most important aspect of the Games` organisation," said Munish Chander, Deputy Director General (Doping Control). CGF has approved 1500 doping control tests, 250 blood tests, 150 EPO tests and 150 pre-Competition tests – highest ever in any Commonwealth Games. "Athlete selection for the tests will be done randomly from among medallists. Target testing will also be done based on the intelligence reports we will be receiving from the sources," Chander told a press conference."We will have sample collection centres in all the training and competition venues as well as the Games Village so that we can also conduct out of competition tests. The whole operation will be active from September 23, when the Village opens, to October 14.” "The Organising Committee has left everlasting legacy to the sports arena by setting up doping control facilities at all competition venues and training venues at par with international standards," he added. National Dope Testing Laboratory, which got the WADA accreditation in August 2008, is one of the 34 such high-end labs around the globe. It will be supported by 18 scientists from different WADA-accreditated laboratories."These facilities will be used solely for doping control purpose after the end of the Games. Proper doping control infrastructure will be in place with equipment, training and education material and a trained workforce of doping control professionals will also be there," Chander said. The Doping Control Officials have been trained at par with international standards enacted by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). "After an written exam the DCOs will be certified and that certificate will remain valid for two years," Chander said. PTI