Doping scandal: Coach RS Sidhu transferred

The government on Wednesday sacked four Sports Authority of India officials in the wake of the doping scandal which saw eight leading athletes fail dope tests in the last few days.

The latest development comes a day after Ukrainian coach, Yuri Ogorodnik, who was training six of these athletes, was given marching orders by sports minister Ajay Maken, who has promised to crack the whip on those found guilty.

The sacked officials include Indian coach R S Sidhu and two women of Elite Sports Women's hostel.

"While foreign coach Yuri has been officially relieved of his services, Indian coach R S Sidhu, who was looking after the women's 400m, 400m hurdles and 4x400m relay has also been removed," a ministry official said.

"Sidhu has been asked to report back to SAI Jalandhar Centre, where he was posted earlier," he added.

"Two women officials of Elite Sports Women's hostel have been also been removed," the SAI official confirmed.

According to sources, another Indian coach, Ramesh Nagapuri, has also been sacked.

Eight athletes tested positive for anabolic steroids in the last few days in the worst ever doping scandal in Indian athletics.

Asian Games double gold medallist Ashwini Akkunji, her 4x400 relay gold-winning teammates Mandeep Kaur and Sini Jose, Jauna Murmu, Tiana Mary Thomas and Priyanka Panwar were the quarter-milers who have flunked dope tests.

Besides, long jumper Hari Krishnan Muralidharan and shot putter Sonia also tested positive.

The official said the sports ministry has asked the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) to submit a factual fact-finding report on the recent dope positive incidents by July 11.

He also revealed that the ministry has written to all National Sports Federations (NSFs) to submit the details of competitions scheduled at all levels to the DG of NADA.

"Sports Ministry has written to Presidents and Secretary Generals of all NSFs to submit complete details of competition schedule for sub national, national and international level to DG, NADA.

"To avoid duplication of disciplinary panel and to refer all cases of DOPE positives be referred to the Disciplinary Panel duly constituted under the NADA Rules," he said.

Stating that an FIR has also been lodged with the local police of Patiala for initiating action against chemists, the official said, "The Drug Controller General of India and State Drug Controller have been approached for taking necessary action against the chemists, who are selling Schedule H performance enhancing drugs (banned by WADA) without prescription of the Doctors."

The Secretary of Medical Council of India has also been approached to use her good offices to control the chemists from indulging in malpractices, added the official.

He informed that special lectures have been delivered to the elite sportspersons, attending the National Coaching camps, national coaches and the support staff, to enlighten them about the drugs, banned by NADA.

"A general circular have been issued to all the officials and staff of the Institute, to be alert in every manner, to ensure a drug free sports environment," he said.