CWG 2018 | ‘Syringegate’ controversy disrupts proceedings for Indian athletes in Gold Coast
Indian athletes have been affected by the aggressive testing being carried out by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Agency (ASADA) to give their samples on their arrival at the Athletes’ Village. However, CGF chief executive David Grevemberg has said it is a “clear breach” of the No-Needle Policy.
Indian athletes have been under the radar for doping procedures for a long time now and things don’t seem to be getting any better anytime soon. After a used syringe was found outside the room of a seasoned Indian boxer at the Athletes’ Village on Friday, all boxers were asked to give their urine samples for testing by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Agency (ASADA) officials.
After the syringe was found stuffed in a crushed plastic bottle in the bin outside the boxer’s room, the organizers wanted to leave nothing to chance to keep the 2018 CWG dope-free. They have already informed that a decision on the said boxer’s further participation would be taken before the opening ceremony on April 4. While the boxer has denied any such alleged involvement, team officials have reportedly admitted to the use of syringe but for a ‘medical purpose’.
Yesterday, it was the turn of the gymnastics contingent to undergo doping tests’ as the Indian weightlifters were next in line to be tested late on Sunday. This was a clear breach of the No-Needle Policy of CWG, as the Indian athletes looked to be cornered by ASADA to give their samples on their arrival at the Athletes’ Village even before they could check into their respective rooms. The message from the organizers to Australia’s anti-doping officials for Indian athletes was evident – locate them and test them.
While it’s normal for the host country’s anti-doping watchdog to collect samples of all participating athletes to ensure that the Games remain clean, the treatment of Indian athletes by the ASADA officials is something that is unheard of in the 21st century.
“Athletes wanted to rest in their rooms after a long flight, but here they were asked to give their samples even before settling down properly. It’s not only harsh on these athletes but embarrassing as well. Just because of the fault of some athlete (read boxer), the entire contingent is being looked upon with suspicion,” An Indian coach told TOI.
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