CWG-2018: No 'dope-shame', but needles could create trouble for Indians
The Indian Commonwealth Games contingent could be in trouble amid speculation that its boxers possessed syringes in violation of the event's "no needle policy" but the country is believed to have steered clear of any doping embarrassment. CWG Federation CEO David Grevemberg said the CGF has initiated an investigation into the matter but did not name India as the target of the probe.
The Games will start on April 5
Grevemberg said the CGF was in talks with the concerned Commonwealth Games Association amid spiraling speculation that Indian boxers are the ones under the scanner in this case. The Commonwealth Games are due to start April 5 after an opening ceremony on April 4. "That CGA has now been summoned to engage in a meeting with our medical commission later today," Grevemberg said.
There has been no wrongdoing on our part: Indian contingent
The Indian contingent has been insistent that there has been no wrongdoing on its part. After claiming that the syringes found could have belonged to other teams who are staying in the same compound of the Games village, a top official on Monday confirmed that the recovery was indeed made from an Indian but denied any dope violation.
Syringe was used to inject multi-vitamins: An official
"There has been no doping violation because the syringe had been used to inject multi-vitamins. The boxers have been tested and had there been a violation, we would have known by now," a top official in the Indian contingent said. The CGF CEO, meanwhile, said sanctions would be in order depending on the explanations put forth by the concerned unidentified Commonwealth Games Association.
Matter would be dealt with transparency
"The report (of the medical commission) will include the testimony of the concerned CGA and that will be put forward to our federation court for further deliberation to determine the appropriate sanction," said CGF CEO David Grevemberg. Games organizing committee chairman Peter Beattie insisted that the matter would be dealt with transparently. "There will be transparency and nothing will be covered up," he said.
What is 'no needle policy'?
The CGF's "no needle policy" prohibits the administration of injections without strong medical support. The policy is relaxed only for athletes requiring prescribed medication or nutritional supplements under the supervision of a medical practitioner.
