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Dope scandal prompts calls for suspension of AFI

The positive dope tests of eight top athletes in the last few days today prompted calls for the immediate suspension of the Athletics Federation of India.

New Delhi: The positive dope tests of eight top athletes in the last few days today prompted calls for the immediate suspension of the Athletics Federation of India.
There is a growing clamour for action within the Indian Olympic Association with many senior members wanting prompt action to be taken against the AFI which they said has brought shame to the country. A top IOA office bearer, speaking on the condition of anonymity, cited the case of Indian Weightlifting Federation whose executive body members were forced to resign en masse after doping scandal broke out in 2009 and said that the same can be done in case of AFI. "The IWF officials were forced to resign en masse after a doping scandal broke out. The hockey federation was dissolved following the autocratic way of functioning of K P S Gill. Why can`t action be taken against the AFI?" the official asked. The official said since the AFI is considered as the turf of Suresh Kalmadi and Lalit Bhanot, there is a tendency to take a soft stand against it. Meanwhile, the IOA officials are said to be concerned by the doping scandal and are likely to call a meeting soon to take stock of the situation. Acting IOA President Vijay Kumar Malhotra had already called for a judicial inquiry into the doping scandal while former athletes, including P T Usha, Milkha Singh and Ashwini Nachappa, have also demanded a thorough probe to get to the bottom of the menace.Malhotra had said that a retired judge should be appointed to hold the inquiry and look into the role of all concerned -- athletes, coaches, doctors and staff at different Sports Authority of India centres. PTI