DELHI 2010: Indian swimmers fail drugs tests on eve of Games

Delhi 2010 Swimming Post a comment

Posted: Sunday 5th September 2010 | 13:35

THREE Indian swimmers - including national record holder Richa Mishra - have been suspended from next month's Commonwealth Games team after failing drugs tests.

The news is a major embarrassment for Delhi 2010 organisers, following just days after six Indian wrestlers were banned for using the same stimulant Methylhexaneamine, which is commonly found in nasal decongestants.

Athletes Sourabh Vij, shot put, and discus thrower Akash Antil also recently failed dope tests.

Mishra - who specialises in the same medley event as top Scottish medal hope Hannah Miley - was the leading women's swimmer at the national championships in Jaipur winning three gold medals and setting one meeting record.

Jyotsna Pansare, who won the 100m backstroke title, is also suspended, along with Amar Muralitharan, pending the results of a test on their B samples.

"We have been informed by the National Anti-Doping Agency about the three swimmers failing dope tests. Their samples were collected during the National Championships in Jaipur," said Virender Nanavati, head of the Indian Swimming Federation.

"They can ask for a 'B' sample test but that is their individual decision. We will see what happens after that procedure is completed.

"If the 'B' samples of Richa and Jyotsana also test positive they will be withdrawn from the team. I can't say whether we will have the replacements."

However, the deadline for making amendments to declared teams for next month's event passed on September 3rd.