Manipuri weightlifter Sanjita Chanu’s ‘B’ sample has also tested positive recently.
The Commonwealth Games gold medallist who failed an out of competition dope test for anabolic steroid (testosterone) in November 2017 prior to World Championship in Las Vegas in USA, was provisionally suspended and is now staring at a four year suspension if proven guilty during hearing.
But, the defiant Manipuri lifter will fight her case before the international body’s hearing panel.
The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) of Hungary, earlier in the year, admitted to committing an “administrative mistake” in giving the exact sample number of Sanjita in its report of her failed dope test. It had mentioned two different sample numbers in its communication of her dope flunk on May 15 and Sanjita had demanded an inquiry.
Sanjita wrote to IWF, seeking a probe into the issue. She also sent a letter to the PMO and the sports ministry to look into her case, which was then directed to NADA.
The IWF replying to the clarification sought by NADA admitted to the ‘administrative mistake’ but also stressed that Chanu’s sample had tested positive.
NADA, in its reply to the Sports Ministry, said that Sanjita “will need to explain before the International Weightlifting Federation hearing panel regarding the Anti-Doping Rule violation”, reports The Hindustan Times.
Sanjita wrote back to IWF demanding a probe into the whole fiasco.
In her letter to IWF on Wednesday, Sanjita has asked for a chain of documents, including a request to share the athlete’s name whose sample no (1599176) ‘mistakenly’ appeared in her suspension order.
She also asked for more time till September 17 to choose the hearing option.