International body will not agree to fine reduction: IWF

New Delhi: Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWF) on Saturday said its parent international body will not agree

to Sports Ministry`s plea for a reduction of the hefty fine imposed on it after six lifters flunked dope tests last year. The Ministry yesterday asked the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to take up the matter with the International Weightlifting Federation for reduction of penalty amount and rescheduling of payment. IWF was imposed a fine of USD 5 lakh after the dope flunk and it had so far paid USD 1,25,000 from its own resources. It has asked the IOA and the Ministry to help in paying the remaining USD 3,75,000 before August 31 deadline so that Indian lifters are not barred from taking part in Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. IWF Secretary General Sahdev Yadav said the international body will not agree to reduction in fine amount or re-scheduling of payment. "We had earlier pleaded for leniency from International Weightlifting Federation, even the IOA had requested them and only after that they extended the deadline to August 31. International Weightlifting Federation has made it quite clear that they will not reduce the fine," Yadav said. "There is a chance for participation of lifters (in Commonwealth Games) only if we pay the fine. If we fail to pay the fine I don`t think we will be able to participate in the Commonwealth Games," he added. Yadav rued that IWF had sought assistance from the IOA and the Ministry long time back but so far they have not given any commitment. "We have requested the IOA and Sports Ministry to give us interest free loan so that we can pay the fine. In this regard we have communicated to the IOA and the Ministry on a number of occasions but we have got no reply from them yet," he said. Coach of women weightlifters Harnam Singh said if his wards do not take part in the Commonwealth Games it would be a big loss for the country. "It is not my loss or disappointment nor for the lifters. It is a loss for the whole country. We are going to win medals, we are expecting at least 14 of them. If we are losing medals it is the loss for the whole country," he said. IWF has selected 15 lifters -- eight men and seven women -- for the Commonwealth Games after a selection trial here early this month and they are currently training at National Institute of Sports, Patiala. PTI