New Delhi: In a major embarassment to the Indian contingent at the Glasgow Games, para-powerlifter Sachin Choudhary, who returned home on the pretext of his father’s ill health, has tested positive for anabolic steroid.
Chaudhary, a late inclusion for the Games, was sent home on Monday night and chef-de-mission Raj Singh had said that “the powerlifter had to be with his ailing father so he requested to return home”.
On Thursday, a National Anti-Doping official, however, confirmed to this paper that the athlete was in the capital on Wednesday to complete the formalities and has been asked for his B sample testing.
Chaudhary tested positive in an out-of-competition test conducted by Nada prior to the seven-member para-sports team’s departure to Glasgow.
Paralympic Committee of India president Rajesh Tomar admitted, saying, “Sachin was called back as soon as we learnt about the poistive test.”
Chaudhary, who took part in the 2012 London Paralympics and also the World Championships, was a medal prospect for the country. “I am not disappointed but hurt. We condemn such kind of activity. We want our athletes to win medals in a fair manner,” Tomar added.
India have experienced similar instances earlier. In 2008, weightlifter Monika Devi was prevented from boarding a flight to Beijing for the Olympic Games.
