Nigerian weightlifter in dope net, Indians have most to gain

GLASGOW: Matsa Santoshi's bronze in women's 53kg weightlifting at the Commonwealth Games may be upgraded to silver after Nigerian gold winner Chika Amalaha's A dope sample returned positive for a banned substance here today. Another Indian Swati Singh, who finished fourth in the competition, could also move a place up for the bronze.

Commonwealth Games Federation chief executive Mike Hooper today announced at the daily media briefing that Amalaha has been suspended from the Games till the results of her B sample comes out.

"She provided a positive A sample after she won her gold in the 53kg category. We are following the correct procedures at this time and whilst that is going ahead she will be suspended," Hooper said.

"We shouldn't presume anything just yet, once she has provided a B sample that is when we can decide on the re-awarding of medals and appropriate actions." Amalaha's case is the first one relating to dope offence in the Glasgow Games.

"Our robust anti-doping system is in place and we want to send a message to those that decide to cheat that they will be caught," he said. On weightlifting's continuance at the Commonwealth Games, Hooper said, "Weightlifting is a core sport to this programme. We would not remove it easily."