New Delhi:
The year 2009 will go down in the history of Indian sports as one of the worst in terms of doping with 24 athletes - bodybuilders leading the hall of shame - already sanctioned, 11 more waiting for their fate and another 13 such cases coming to light.
Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Prakashbapu Patil today told the Lok Sabha that since the National Anti Doping Agency became operational in January 1 this year, 24 drug cheats have been handed two-year bans.
Apart from the bodybuilders, the drug cheats include four athletes, two weightlifters and as many powerlifters.
"The decision in respect of four sportspersons - three bodybuilders and an athlete -- have been reserved," Patil said.
Also, NADA will soon finalise the dates for the hearing of another 11 dope cases involving seven bodybuilders, two cyclists, a weightlifter and a boxer.
"Adverse Analytical Findings in respect of 13 sportspersons (weightlifting - seven, athletics and bodybuilding - two each, cycling and judo - one each) have been reported recently.
"Decision in respect to imposition of ban on them will be taken after completion of their 'B' sample analysis and presenting their cases before the Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel by NADA," the minister said.