CWG OC grants IWLF fine money after ministry directive

CWG OC sanctioned Rs 1.75 crore to Indian Weightlifting Federation.

Zeenews Bureau

New Delhi: The Commonwealth Games Organising Committee on Thursday sanctioned Rs 1.75 crore to the Indian Weightlifting Federation for payment as fine to the International Weightlifting Federation, paving the way for Indian lifters’ participation in the upcoming Commonwealth Games. Earlier, in a letter to OC`s chief executive Jarnail Singh, the sports ministry had directed CWG OC to pay Rs 1.75 crore as interest-free loan to the Indian Weightlifting Federation. The Indian Weightlifting Federation has to pay USD 500,000 to International Weightlifting Federation as fine for some doping related offences. The IWF had set a deadline of August 31 to pay the fine, failing which the Indian lifters ran the risk of missing the October mega event. "The sports ministry directs the OC to release Rs 1.75 crore to IWLF directly as interest free loan with a moratorium of one year. The release shall be made against the budget provided under the joint marketing agreement. The repayment of loan to IOA may be separately determined between IWLF and IOA in due course," a letter issued by the ministry said. "Since the last date for submitting entries for participation in the CWG 2010 is fast approaching, the loan may be disbursed immediately pending all formalities," it added. The ministry, however, said that the amount won’t be used to pay fines imposed on individual lifters.