IWLF takes strict actions against Punam Yadav with non-selection for Asian Games
Weightlifter Punam Yadav’s participation in Asian games has been dashed after the confirmation by Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF) for her non-selection due to disciplinary issues. On Wednesday, Sports Authority Of India dropped 12 athletes including Punam Yadav from TOPS.
After Punam Yadav’s exclusion from the Target Olympic Podium (TOP) scheme after her poor performance in CWG games, her dream of representing India at the forthcoming Jakarta Asian Games has also been dashed. Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF) made it clear on Thursday that she won’t be considered for the Asian Games selection. Moreover, the 69kg category weightlifter will not be allowed to join the national camp at the NIS Patiala – as she had skipped the camp earlier after it had been made compulsory by the IWLF. According to IWLF secretary general Sahdev Yadav, she will not be recommended ever for the TOP scheme funding by the federation, which may end her promising career.
“She won’t be allowed to appear for trials, which effectively puts an end to her Asian Games prospects. And that’s the final word from the federation,” said Sahdev Yadav as reported by TOI.
“Let me make it clear, she won’t join the national camp ever and won’t be considered for the TOP funding in future. The federation has told this to the Sports Authority of India (SAI). It’s a serious breach of discipline on her part. Only those who are part of the camp will be considered for Asiad selection and other competitions in future. We have learnt that she is enjoying her time in her hometown Varanasi,” Yadav explained.
The only chance for Punam to get back into the federation’s scheme of things is if she gets herself tested by the National Anti-Doping Agency (Nada) at her own expense and submits a clean report to the federation. But that would be accepted only after the Asian Games. However, even her dope-free report from the Nada will not guarantee a soft attitude from the federation, which could keep her suspended for a prolonged period.
Sports Authority of India on Wednesday, dropped 12 athletes from the TOP scheme, which included three weightlifters – Sathish Sivalingam, Ragala V Rahul and Punam Yadav.