More B samples positive; SAI in `organised doping`

Adding another shocking revelation to the catastrophic doping scandal in Indian athletics, an ex Sports Authority of India doctor Dr Sajib Nandi told a news channel that ‘organised doping’ was rampant in Sports Authority of India.

Zeenews Bureau

New Delhi: Adding another shocking revelation to the catastrophic doping scandal in Indian athletics, an ex Sports Authority of India doctor Dr Sajib Nandi told a news channel that ‘organised doping’ was rampant in SAI. “I had reported it (doping) but no action was taken,” the doctor said adding, “I knew of organized doping practices in SAI Patiala.” The revelation came before the ‘B’ samples of three tainted athletes turned positive for the presence of banned substances. Runners Sini Jose, Juana Murmu and Tiana Mary Thomas tested positive for their ‘B’ sample too and would now face severe action by the concerned authorities and might be even banned from future competitions. Meanwhile, sacked athletics coach Yuri Ogorodnik blamed Indian food supplements for six of his trainees testing positive for banned substances. “SAI protein and vitamin supplements are insufficient. So we bought those from a chemist in Patiala which might be contaminated,” said the Ukrainian coach.In the wake of one of the biggest dope scandals in the country, the Indian government has appointed Justice (retd) Mukul Mudgal to enquire into all aspects of the fiasco. India`s top eight athletes, including three members of the Commonwealth Games and Asiad gold medal winning sprinters, had tested positive for anabolic steroids in out-of-competition testing.The one-member committee, which will be assisted by NADA`s senior Project Manager V Jayaramaan, has been asked to submit its report within six weeks.