HANGZHOU: At least four Indian athletes, who landed here after an 18-hour journey, were in for a surprise as the International Testing Agency (ITA) officials whisked them away for dope tests the moment they stepped out of the team bus at the entrance of the Asian Games Village.
Unlike in the past, the athletes were given no time to rest and relax and were not allowed to take their luggage from the team bus. Among those who were subjected to surprise tests were defending men's shot put champion Tajinderpal Singh Toor, Asian silver medallist in women's long just Shaili Singh and 800m runner Mohammed Afsal. "It was a bit harsh to subject the athletes to dope tests without allowing them any time to relax. They used to conduct in-competition tests but then the athletes got more time. Here the athletes were dehydrated and struggled even to provide the required quantity of the urine sample," a top coach said.
The athletes were also asked to give blood samples. "Blood samples can be collected any time during out-of-competition testing. But three vials of blood from an athlete a few days ahead of the competition can affect their performance," an Indian coach added.
When asked about the coaches' concern, an expert allayed the fears. "There won't be any effect on the performance of an athlete even if they give 2-3 vials of blood for testing," the expert said.
The World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) is conducting these tests with the help of the Olympic Council of Asia and the hosts. "WADA is looking forward to collaborating with the OCA, the Chinese Anti-Doping Agency (CHINADA) and other stakeholders at this highly anticipated edition of the Asian Games. Our Athlete Engagement team will be on hand to connect with athletes and support personnel," WADA president Wi told Baka had said.
"Our independent observer team will monitor and report the anti-doping process in collaboration with CHINADA, the ITA, which is responsible for implementing the anti-doping program on behalf of the OCA and the local organizing committee," she said. "These Games represent an important opportunity for WADA to continue to champion its mission for doping-free sport and raise the game for athletes around the world," she added.
