Boxing body seeks report on doping at Haryana tourney

The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has taken serious note of doping allegations involving some players during a recent championship in Haryana and sought a report from the state governing body.

The Tribune had highlighted how some athletes had apparently indulged in doping during the state-level meet last week as used syringes and empty vials were found inside a washroom of the Giri Centre Stadium in Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (HAU) here. Acting on the news report, the BFI has formally sought a detailed report from the Haryana Boxing Sangh (HBS), sources have said. The HBS, for its part, has written to the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) to take samples of the event winners, who are slated to take part in the national meet at Bareilly, UP, from January 6 to 13.

HBS general secretary Ravinder Pannu has said they will take necessary steps to curb doping in the sport. They will also write to the district associations affiliated with the HBS asking them to raise awareness on the illegal use of steroids. “The players indulging in the illegal practice will face disqualification and action may be initiated against the coach(s) if their role is established in upcoming events. We have urged NADA to carry out random testing of players,” he says.

The issue of doping has been a cause for concern, says a coach, adding the federation is expected to take appropriate action based on the report of the HBS in this matter.

The fifth Elite Men Haryana State Boxing Championship was held from December 16 to 18. Nearly 250 players from 22 districts and three SAI centres participated in the event.