PtG Article 11.08.2010

Indian weightlifters might be banned from Commonwealth Games

Indian weightlifters remain unsure of their participation in this year’s Commonwealth Games, as the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWF) struggles to cover an unpaid doping fine.

Six Indian weightlifters failed their drug tests last year which caused the international weightlifting body to issue a $500,000 fine to the IWF, who face suspension from international competitions if the fine is not paid by the end of august. IWF secretary general Sahdev Yadav said the federation has paid $125,000 of the fine and is banking on the sports ministry and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to bail them out by making up the shortfall. "Our lifters will not be allowed to compete if we don't pay the remaining $375,000 by August 31” Yadav said on Wednesday. "We are yet to hear from either the sports ministry or IOA but we do not foresee a Games in Delhi without Indian lifters."

SOURCE: The Times of India