IBF suspends dope-tainted boxer

In a double jolt for Indian boxing, middle-weight pugilist Manjit Singh has been suspended for two years after failing a dope test while fellow glovesman Baljeet Singh's 'A' sample has also tested positive.

Manjit, a bronze medallist in the 2007 Commonwealth Championship in Liverpool, tested positive for a banned steroid at a National camp in April last year and the Indian Boxing Federation has asked him to return the silver medal he won at the National Championship.

"We have written to him asking him to return the medal," an IBF official said, confirming his B sample has also tested positive.

"Baljeet (super heavyweight division) has also tested positive. His sample was taken at the Nationals in September and the first results that came out in December are positive. We have already asked for a 'B' sample test," he said.

Asked why Manjit was allowed to compete in the Nationals despite a positive dope test, the IBF official argued that the results came to light only after the event.