Weightlifter Sanjita Chanu has been dropped from the Target Olympic Podium (TOP) Scheme, along with tennis player Yuki Bhambri. This follows Chanu testing positive for a banned substance.
The Commonwealth Games gold medallist, who became the second Indian woman weightlifter after Kunjarani Devi to win gold in two different editions of the CWG (Glasgow 2014 and Gold Coast 2018), had tested positive for an anabolic steroid in a test conducted during the World Championships in USA in November last year. Following the result, she has been put under provisional suspension.
"It was decided to drop Sanjita from the TOPS as she stands suspended by the International Weightlifting Federation on doping charges," the Sports Authority of India said in a statement, TOI reported
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Yuki, on the other hand, was left out as he is not going for the upcoming Asian Games due to a date clash with the US Open. He was exempted by All Indian Tennis Association from Asian Games as he stood a good chance of qualifying for the main draw of US Open.
"The committee has also decided to exclude men's singles player Yuki Bhambri from the TOPS as he will not be playing in the Asian Games," the SAI said. Men's doubles specialist Divij Sharan replaced him in the scheme till the Asian Games.
The TOP Scheme is being evaluated by the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC), headed by the SAI Director General. The scheme will fund athletes on basis of the requirements and the Committee's recommendations. The Committee will also simultaneously review athletes' progress and performances. Based on the recommendation, athletes may be included, retained or excluded from the TOP Scheme.
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