21 Indian lifters suspended by IWF after being tested positive

21 weightlifters have been provisionally suspended by the Indian Weightlifting Federation after testing positive for various banned substances in what can be called the biggest doping scandal in recent Indian sporting history.

The lifters tested positive from across an array of different championships. However the most were caught at the National Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships, held in Yamunanagar earlier this year.

Indian Weightlifting Federation secretary general Sahdev Yadav attests, “Yes, 21 lifters have tested positive and have been provisionally suspended, pending the result of their 'B' sample tests. Their 'B' sample tests are awaited," .

He added,”This can be called one of the biggest catches in recent times but one has to take into consideration that it includes competitions at Universities, Police Games, Railways, etc also,"

Punishments faced by suspected dope offenders

The National Anti-Doping Agency has increased the ban period of first time dope offenders to maximum of four years from two, effective from January 1, 2015. If the accused lifters’ 'B' sample tests also comes out to be positive, the first-time offenders face the prospect of being banned for four years.

According to the IWF rules, in case of two or more doping violations in a 12-month period in tests conducted by the IWF or NADA, a state federation could be suspended from participating in any activities of the IWF for a period of up to two years.

Yadav said even the the coaches of the banned lifters would face suspension and could also be fined.

"The athletes were caught for using different banned substances. Strict action would be taken against coaches as well," Yadav clarified.