Against the backdrop of a series of positive dope tests, Sports Minister MS Gill said on Tuesday that the national federations should introduce educational programmes to make the sportspersons aware of the doping menace.
"The federations should make the sportspersons aware of this thing. We are doing our bit and the federations better launch education (programmes) for their sportspeople so that nobody is caught in ignorance," Gill said.
"The message to the athletes is what I often give. It is true that we do want lots of medals in the Commonwealth Games. But even if we get one we want that medal with honour," Gill added.
Gill's comment came five days after the country faced a major embarrassment with four wrestlers — being removed from India's CWG squad for flunking National Anti-Doping Agency's tests.Two other wrestlers not part of the team also failed to clear the tests.
His comment also assumes significance as 18 athletes have been caught for using banned substances in the past few days under NADA tests.
Gill was also miffed with the repeated postponement of the 34th National Games and lashed out at the Indian Olympic Association, saying the IOA should consult the government in future before allotting the multi-sport event to any State. "National Games is very important for us, but the IOA is allotting the event to the states like Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand in the manner Commonwealth Games Federation or the International Olympic Council allots their Games to different countries.
{{/usCountry}}Gill was also miffed with the repeated postponement of the 34th National Games and lashed out at the Indian Olympic Association, saying the IOA should consult the government in future before allotting the multi-sport event to any State. "National Games is very important for us, but the IOA is allotting the event to the states like Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand in the manner Commonwealth Games Federation or the International Olympic Council allots their Games to different countries.
{{/usCountry}}"Its like gifts to the states. The IOA have personal interests and desire, I understand this business. I would say that in future the IOA should consult us before allotting the National Games," Gill said.
No leniency for the tainted: Malhotra Indian Olympic Association vice-president Vijay Kumar Malhotra on Tuesday said the Sports Ministry should immediately initiate a high-level inquiry to find out the culprits who are responsible for sportspersons failing dope tests.
Malhotra said, apart from sportspersons, coaches, doctors and officials of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) should also be investigated. "Earlier also many sportspersons failed dope test but action has not been taken against anyone. There should be zero tolerance for those who test positive," Malhotra said.
Malhotra said in 2002 Manchester and 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games, India had "performed well but a couple of sportspersons failed the test in these games and brought disgrace to the nation".