Two days after the B sample test of Manipuri weightlifter Monika Devi tested positive, a family member of the lifter claims that Monika still has not received the copy of the report.
“I read the news in the papers, which said that the sample tested positive and she (Monika) has been banned for two years,” said the family member on conditions of anonymity. “But we still have not received the copy of the report.”
Monika was stopped from taking part in Beijing Olympics on dope charges. Her first sample had been positive but the lifter took the matter to the Delhi High Court, saying she was being framed. Her second sample was sent to a WADA-accredited laboratory in Tokyo.
“According to court orders, the report was not to be made public, but this has been done. And we still haven’t got a copy,” the relative added.
When contacted, Harbhajan Singh, president, Indian Weightlifting Federation said the report has been sent to Monika. “We have sent a copy of the report to her, and if the family member is claiming that they have not received the copy, he is lying,” Singh said.
When asked about the leaking of the report Singh said, “The report has been sent to all the bodies involved in the case, so this is not a top secret. There is no question of leaking the report, as it is something very transparent.
“The IWF has taken the decision of banning Monika after getting the report of her B sample test. The decision of banning her for two years has been taken considering the International Weightlifting Federation’s norms,” he added.
