By IANS
New Delhi : To avoid a messy legal challenge, the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWF) confirmed Friday that it has sought the world governing body’s advice on the quantum of punishment for lifter Satish Rai who has twice tested positive for banned substances.
“I sent an e-mail to the International Weightlifting Federation (WFI) Thursday, asking them what should we do in Rai’s case as he has tested positive for a stimulant in 2002 and a steroid this February,” IWF secretary Balbir Singh Bhatia told IANS Friday.
Karnataka’s 85-kg weightlifter Rai tested positive for the banned stimulant at the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games and for stanazolol at the 2007 Guwahati National Games this February. Both ‘A’ and ‘B’ urine samples returned positive results for the latest offence.
As per the rules, all Rai’s medals and prizes will now be taken back.
Explaining the need to write to WFI despite the rules clearly stipulating a life ban for a second drug offence, Bhatia admitted it was to avoid a possible court case by Rai.
“This is a precautionary measure. The reason we (IWF) have sought the world body’s advice is because we don’t want to get into a prolonged court battle on the issue,” said Bhatia.
“These days people move court at the drop of a hat. And we neither have money to fight court cases nor do we have lawyers. The step has been taken in consultation with the IWF president.”
Bhatia said the IWF executive committee would eventually decide the final punishment for Rai.
“There are some procedures in place. But let me say that there will be no escape for him. No leniency will be shown,” he said.
The Indian Olympic Association annulled Rai’s results at the 33rd National Games in Guwahati.
Rai was among the nine sportspersons who tested positive for banned substances at the Feb 9-18 games.