Dope-tainted shot putter Shourabh Vij to take part in C'Wealth Games

In a boost to India's medal hopes in the Commonwealth Games, shot Putter Shourabh Vij, who tested positive for banned stimulant methylhexaneamine, was today retained in the track and field squad after his provisional suspension was lifted by the NADA Disciplinary panel.

The suspension of Vij was lifted by the NADA panel on September 22 after the World Anti-Doping Agency asked the national doping watchdog to take a lenient view after methylhexaneamine was shifted from 'non-specified' to 'specified' substances in its 2011 list of prohibited substances.

The WADA had also clarified yesterday that the 12 athletes, who tested positive for methylhexaneamine in the NADA tests in August, can now be treated as if they have not been suspended though the NADA panel had earlier posted the case for further hearing on October 21.

"I have been cleared by the federation and told to join the contingent at the Games Village in a day or two. I am so happy that I will be taking part in the Commonwealth Games," an elated Vij said.

AFI director ML Dogra confirmed that Vij is joining the Indian athletics squad on Friday.

"There is no suspension on him now and so he will be joining the athletics contingent on Friday. Out of the 90-odd athletes selected around 60 will be checking in tomorrow. The remaining, including Vij, will enter the Village on Friday," he said.

Delhi boy Vij is a medal prospect for India, along with another shot putter Om Prakash. He threw the shot put to 20.65m in the Delhi State Athletics Meet in July, which is the season's second leading distance among Commonwealth athletes, behind Canadian Dylan Armstrong (21.58m) who is also competing in the Games.

The 23-year-old's effort was not recognised by the Athletics Federation of India as the state meet did not completely conform to international standards, including dope testing. The International Amateur Athletics Association though included Vij's effort in its season's leading performers' list.

Jamaican Dorian Scott (20.55m) and Australian Scott Martin (20.10m) are listed third and fourth among Commonwealth shot putters while another Indian Om Prakash is fifth with his season's best of 19.99m.

Vij might have been cleared but the Swimming Federation of India is still considering whether to bring back Richa Mishra and Jyotsana Pansare, both of whom had tested positive for the same substance.

The wrestlers who had flunked the same test will, however, not be taken back into the CWG squad.