Weightlifter Sanjita Chanu called out the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) and demanded an apology and compensation for the “trauma" that the entire experience caused her. Now, calling it a mistake, IWF has dropped the doping charge against the Indian weightlifter. They admitted that it happened due to "non-conformities". However, Chanu wants an official apology. "I am happy in the sense that I am finally and officially clear from the doping charges. But, what about the chances I have lost? Who will take the responsibility of the mental trauma I have been living with?" Chanu told PTI from Manipur.
The 26-year-old Commonwealth Games gold medallist said that the whole controversy has caused her mental trauma. The IWF made the decision based on the recommendation of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
"Who will take the responsibility for the mistakes that happened at every possible level? You put an athlete under suspension for years without a final judgment, and one fine day you send an e-mail saying that you are now free from charges?" added Chanu who claimed innocence since the start.
What You Should Know
- Doping charge against weightlifter Sanjita Chanu has been dropped, IWF has stated that it was a mistake.
- The organization said they made a mistake in handling her sample but Chanu demanded an apology and compensation.
- Chanu claimed innocence since the beginning. She was informed about IWF’s final verdict via an e-mail.
- "Who will take the responsibility of the mental trauma I have been living with?" Chanu demanded.
The IWF had sent the dope result notification to Chanu, mentioning sample code number 1599000 as the one collected on November 17 2017 at Las Vegas. In the result section, however, it was mentioned a sample code 1599176, a completely different number. She had tested positive for an anabolic steroid testosterone. Following the result, she has been put under provisional suspension.
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Chanu said the IWF owes her a proper explanation and radical compensation. She claimed she couldn’t take part in many tours including missing out on the chance to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics. It must issue an apology for causing her mental harassment, Chanu demanded.
"Is this some kind of joke? Does IWF not care about the career of an athlete? Was it the intention of IWF to spoil my Olympic chances? Every athlete's ultimate dream is to get a medal in the Olympic Games, and at least participating in the Games. For me, that chance had been snatched by IWF," she said.
Is this some kind of joke? Does IWF not care about the career of an athlete? Was it the intention of IWF to spoil my Olympic chances?
"This is not how IWF is supposed to function. IWF must apologise and give a genuine explanation. The responsible body or organisation or individual must be penalised. I will go to higher authority and demand compensation from IWF," she said.
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