Doping: WADA to review IWF reprieve for Satisha

WADA will review Indian Weightlifting Federation’s decision to let off dope-tainted Satisha Rai without any punishment.

World Anti-doping Agency (WADA) will review Indian Weightlifting Federation’s (IWF) decision to let off dope-tainted Satisha Rai without any punishment for a second drug offence.

Satisha tested positive for a steroid during last year’s National Games in in Guwahati, his second offence after being caught for using a performance enhancing stimulant in the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games.

But, instead of handing him a life ban for his second dope flunk under International Weightlifting Federation rules, Satisha was let off without any punishment on the ground that he has already quit the sport.

Story continues below this ad

“The IWF president, under his condonation powers, has decided to close the issue as redundant and irrelevant in view of your assurance and your past services, notwithstanding the merits of the case and your submissions,” said an IWF letter dated June 13 and signed by its General Secretary B.R. Gulati.

In an e-mail reply to PTI, WADA Media Relations and Communications Senior Manager Frederic Donze said the world body will review the decision after getting a copy of the letter from the International Weightlifting Federation.

“WADA contacted the International Weightlifting Federation to request a copy of the full decision of the Indian Weightlifting Federation and, upon receipt of the decision, WADA will review the reasons for the decision,” Donze said.

Donze also denied Gulati’s claim that IWF had consulted WADA before arriving at the decision.

Story continues below this ad

“WADA was not consulted by the Indian Federation on this case. The proper avenue for such a consultation in any case is International Weightlifting Federation. WADA is yet to receive any notification of this decision,” Donze added.