PSB plans dope tests ahead of SA Games

ISLAMABAD – Pakistani boxers and weightlifters would probably undergo dope tests before visiting Dhaka for the 11th South Asian Games 2010, scheduled to be rolled off from January 29 in the capital city of Bangladesh.
Chairman Anti Doping Organisation of Pakistan (ADOP) Dr. Waqar Ahmed told “TheNation” here Tuesday that Pakistan had to give back two gold medals of the 10th South Asian Games 2006 that were held at Colombo after positive dope test of two athletes. “Our two boxers including Meherullah Lasi had used steroids,” he said.
He said that two boxers and one weightlifter had tested positive in their dope during the 9th South Asian Games held at Islamabad in 2004. “The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) is taking concrete measures to discourage the athletes from using steroids, deliberately or accidentally,” he revealed.
Dr. Waqar, who is also member of the Regional Anti Doping Organisation Board of Central Asia, said that PSB was going to launch a doping awareness programme for the national athletes and coaches.
“We are providing written material to players about doping and we will also deliver lectures to national outfits and their coaches during the camps,” he maintained.
“The PSB has also warned the players about using medicines without consulting the PSB’s doctor. If they get emergency treatment on their own, they will be bound to inform the PSB within 72 hours. Boxing and weightlifting are our main games and we lost our gold medals in both disciplines,” he lamented.