By IANS,
New Delhi : The Swimming Federation of India (SFI) is going to make a case for leniency for Richa Mishra and Jyotsna Pansari, the two swimmers of the Commonwealth Games squad who tested positive for the banned stimulant methylhexanamine, considering their clean past record.
The secretary-general of SFI Virendra Nanavati told IANS that the federation by and large has a clean record as the International Swimming Federation (FINA) has a zero tolerance on doping.
“I was shocked when I heard of these two swimmers failing the dope test as they have never been under suspicion and have a clean record. The only aberrations the federation found was when a police swimmer tested positive for taking a painkiller and not informing before the meet. And a Pune swimmer who too was tested positive for using banned drug for a medical problem,” Nanavati said.
“Any decision on the swimmers can only be taken after decision by the NADA’s anti-doping disciplinary committee.”
The B-samples of Richa and Jyotsna, who were part of the Commonwealth Games squad, came positive Wednesday and the two now face a hearing from the anti-dope disciplinary panel, date of which will be announced in day or a two.
Richa, was declared the best female swimmer for fourth year in succession at last month’s national championship in Jaipur. The 27-year-old swimmer from Delhi is also the holder of three national records.
Amar Muralidharan was the third swimmer to be tested positive, but he is not part of the Commonwealth Games squad.
The B-samples of six Indian wrestlers and two athletes, also came positive for the use of methylhexanamine.