ISLAMABAD, Feb 26: Doping control will be carried out at the SAF Games in collaboration with International Olympic Committee (IOC) Medical Commission, World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) and the medical representatives from SAARC countries.

This was stated by Director Medical 9th SAF Games Secretariat, Khalid Hussain on Thursday. "The procudure of taking urine, blood samples etc. and sending the same to an approved laboratory in Bangkok has already been apprised to the participating countries", he said.

Terming the use of banned drugs an unnatural and unfair means to enhance performance during a competition, he said concerted efforts were being made to ensure fair competition and also to provide general health cover to the participants in the March 29-April 7 SAF Games.

"The anti-doping measures are being taken for the first time in the history of SAF Games and are in line with global drive against this illegal practice", Dr. Col. Khalid Hussain said.

"We are formulating guidelines to provide competitors, National Olympic Committee (NOCs) and Sports Federations with a clear understanding of the applicable rules and procedures for doping control for the 9th SAF Games", he added.

Khalid said athletes, coaches and the officials should further acquaint themselves with the doping control procedure "to avoid inconvenience during the Games".

"It is for the first time in SAF Games that anti doping procedure would be fully implemented in its true letter and spirit" he said and added a committee comprising doctors from each SAARC country has been constituted to ensure transparency and credibility of the process. -APP