Dr Manmohan Singh, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) man-in-charge of doping-related cases told this correspondent this morning that doping allegations at the Guwahati National Games, were all “speculations”. By late afternoon, the IOA had been forced to constitute a three-member panel to look into the case that erupted on Monday. The Patiala-based Dr Singh will be heading it. Top IOA officials agreed that since there had emerged a few positive cases during the Guwahati Games, the committee had been formed. Besides Dr Singh, KP Singh Deo and RK Anand are the other two members. However, none of the IOA officials were able to divulge more details, saying it will only hinder the procedure. But the panel is expected to hold a meeting shortly regarding the hearing of the offenders. According to IOA officials, further course of action will also be discussed then. The date and venue of the hearing, however, is yet to be decided. There is speculation that the number of positive cases in Guwahati is more than 15. But rubbishing this, IOA secretary general Randhir Singh said: “They are less than ten.” Refusing to comment further on the issue, he just said: “We have to follow the procedure. Committee members will look into the matter.” It’s not known what substance the athletes have tested positive for, but as per WADA rules, first-time offence invites a minimum of two years suspension. According to sources, the respective offenders have been informed. But it’s too early to speculate whether the offenders would agree to get the B samples tested. Dr Singh refused to throw light on the meeting, saying he can’t comment. “I won’t be able to say anything on the issue,” he said from Patiala. At the Games, the organising committee had collected 257 samples during a random dope test. All the samples were send to an IOC-accrediated lab in Bangkok.
