Monika's tests positive, faces two year ban

The 'B' sample test of Manipuri weightlifter Monika Devi, who was stopped from taking part in Beijing Olympics on dope charges, has returned positive for a banned substance in a WADA-accredited laboratory in Tokyo.

The 'B' sample test of Manipuri weightlifter Monika Devi, who was stopped from taking part in Beijing Olympics on dope charges, has returned positive for a banned substance in a WADA-accredited laboratory in Tokyo.

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Monika's 'B' sample was sent for testing in Tokyo by the Sports Ministry on the recommendation of T S Krishnamurthy Commission report which was set up to look into the doping episode. The 28-year-old lifter's 'A' sample had an "adverse analytical finding" which cost her a chance to take part in Beijing Olympics and sparked protests in her home state.

Under the normal procedure, any lifter who wants his/her 'B' sample tested should bear the cost but in Monika's case the Sports Ministry footed the bill and a representative of the 69 kg lifter also travelled to Tokyo on government expenses, top sources said.

"The decision of SAI to stop her from going to Beijing has come to be correct as Monika's B sample test in Tokyo lab has returned positive for a banned substance. Nobody is speaking about it now because a case is pending in the Delhi High Court," a top source said.