ISLAMABAD, March 31: Pakistan has taken the initiative to carry out dope testing of local and foreign participants of 9th SAF Games. Urine samples of gold medalists have already been dispatched to a laboratory in Bangkok
, accredited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The results are expected in five days' time.
The criteria for selecting sportspersons for dope testing is conditional on their winning the gold medal. This is the first time in the history of South Asia that a comprehensive doping control strategy has been prepared to ensure that only the deserving win medals.
The doping control subcommittee, which is headed by Dr Dilshad, comprises doctors from the host country and one representative each from the participating states. "We want to ensure a fair and transparent process, because dope testing is a sensitive issue and there is a very real chance of others crying foul," said Maj Aamir Faizi of the SAF medical committee.
Once a sportsperson is declared gold medalist, he is asked to sign a form, and within an hour he has to report to the nearest doping control station. Four such stations have been established, including one for sportswomen.
Installing mirrors and posting same-sex attendants in bathrooms are internationally accepted ways of discouraging foul play. The sample has to be versed into two glass bottles marked Sample A and B respectively.
These are placed in self-locking plastic containers to be sealed by the sportsperson. Imported from England, the containers are tamper-proof and have to be cut open upon arrival in the laboratory.
If the results come back positive, the sportsperson has the option of asking for a re-test at his own expense from Sample B, which had been dispatched along with Sample A. In case the second sample's results confirm doping, he has the right of appeal to a high-level committee.
