Pakistan bodybuilders test positive, dropped from Asian Games squad
Date: 28-11-2006
Posted by: Anabolic Info TeamIndia |
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Karachi, Nov 28. (PTI): Pakistan were grappling with a fresh doping scandal just three days ahead of the start of the Asian Games with three of its athletes being dropped from the Doha bound squad after testing positive for banned substances.
A Pakistan Olympic Association official today said, three bodybuilders -- Atif Anwar Ali, Khalid Ali and Shoaib Zahoor -- were withdrawn from the Asian Games contingent after the trio tested positive in internal tests conducted by the Pakistan Bodybuilding Federation two weeks ago.
"We had no option but to drop them because Pakistan is already facing lot of problems on this front," the official said.
The POA official said, the organising committee of the Asian Games had laid down strict regulations for dope testing and the bodybuilding federation was not in a position to take any risks.
"That is why the three athletes have been withdrawn and further investigations would be carried out into their conduct," he added.
The withdrawl comes just two days after the Pakistan Amateur Boxing Federation banned boxers Mehrullah Lassi and Faisal Karim from taking part in any international competitions for life after it was revealed that they had tested positive in the South Asian Games held in Colombo in August.
Pakistan's 200-member contingent will now take part in 21 disciplines in the Asian Games.
Pakistan cricket is already in turmoil with fast bowlers, Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif being banned for two and one year respectively after they tested positive for a banned steroid nandrolone.
