Question : DOPING CASES OF WEIGHTLIFTERS

(a) whether the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWF) has been banned by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) as several weightlifters failed the dope test in various international events;

(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the quantum of fine imposed on the IWF for such incidents;

(c) the details of sports persons on whom ban has been imposed during each of the last three years and the current year,discipline-wise and action taken in each case; and

(d) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to prevent recurrence of such incidents including use of drugs in future?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (SHRI PRATIK PRAKASHBAPU PATIL)

(a)&(b) No communication regarding ban/imposition of penalty on Indian Weightlifting Federation has been received from the International Weightlifting Federation in this regard.

(c) The Anti Doping Rules of National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) became operational with effect from 1st January, 2009. Two year’s sanction has been imposed on 24 sportspersons (Bodybuilding – 16, Athletics – 4, Weightlifting & Powerlifting – 2 each) by the Anti Doping Disciplinary Panel so far. The decisions in respect of 4 sportspersons (Bodybuilding – 3 & Athletic – 1) have been reserved by the above Panel. Eleven dope positive cases (Bodybuilding – 7, Cycling – 2, Weightlifting & Boxing – 1 each) have been referred to the above Panel for fixing date and time for the hearings after completion of their ‘A’ & ‘B’ Sample Analysis. Adverse Analytic Findings in respect of 13 sportspersons (Weightlifting – 7, Athletics & Bodybuilding – 2 each, Cycling & Judo – 1 each) have been reported recently. Decision in respect to imposition of ban on them will be taken after completion of their ‘B’ Sample Analysis and presenting their cases before the Anti Doping Disciplinary Panel by National Anti Doping Agency.

(d) Government has set up a National Anti Doping Agency (NADA), an apex body, to enforce the Anti Doping Code, which is applicable to all sports federations in the country. The penal provisions under the code, which include life ban on participation in sports events, are aimed at seeming as a deterrent. In addition, NADA also organizes workshops, seminars, etc. to educate the target group against the harmful effects of doping.