Wrestlers' 'B' samples also positive

The six dope-tainted wrestlers who caused major embarrassment to the country with less than a month to go for the Commonwealth Games also failed their 'B' sample tests, conducted by National Anti-Doping Agency.

The 'A' samples of the six wrestlers, taken by NADA at the Commonwealth Games trials, had tested positive for stimulant methylhexanamine, which was added as a banned substance only this year by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Their 'B' samples also tested positive in NADA tests conducted on Saturday, sources said.

"All the six wrestlers have returned positive for methylhexanamine in the tests conducted on Saturday," the source added.

"As per the WADA Rules, they will appear before NADA Anti Doping Disciplinary Panel headed by a retired Sessions judge. This panel will decide on sanctions to be given to them," he said.

Four of them -- men's freestyle wrestlers Rajiv Tomar (120kg), Sumit (74kg) and Mausam Khatri (96kg) and women's freestyle wrestler Gursharanpreet Kaur (72kg) -- were removed from the Commonwealth Games squad.

Rahul Mann (60kg) and Joginder Singh (120kg) were the other two wrestlers.

Three-time national champion Tomar was last month conferred the Arjuna award.

It is learnt that shot putter Saurabh Vij, who was in the Commonwealth Games squad, and discus thrower Akash Antil have not yet turned up for their 'B' sample testing.

They have seven days from September 1, the date of announcement of the result, to do so.