Ministry to test Monika's B sample in Japan
New Delhi, Sep 22: The true picture in the Monika Devi doping saga may finally see the light of the day with the Sports Ministry on Monday deciding to get the lifter's Sample B tested abroad.
In a letter to the Scientific Director of the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL), the Ministry referred to the T S Krishna Murthy report on the saga and sought testing of Monika's B sample in the World Anti-Doping Agency-accredited laboratory in Tokyo."
As recommended by T S Krishna Murthy, it has been decided that the B-sample kept with NDTL in respect of Monika Devi should be examined by an accredited laboratory outside India for immediate analysis. This work may be entrusted to the accredited laboratory in Japan," the Ministry said.
The Ministry also asked the official to find out if Monika would like to be present herself at the time of testing or would send a representative, the cost of which would be borne by the government."
In accordance with the rights available to the athlete under WADA code, the athlete must be given opportunity to be present herself or send her representative.
"For this, it may be ascertained from the athlete concerned whether she would like to be present herself or send her representative during the analysis of B-sample at the above mentioned WADA accredited lab and if so, necessary arrangements may be made for her or her representative's travel abroad at Government cost.
Government may be kept informed of the progress in the matter," the letter said.Sports Ministry appointed TS Krishna Murthy probe Monika issue and former Chief Election Commissioner, flayed the lack of coordination among the agencies and the inordinate delay in between testing of samples and conveying the outcome to the lifter.
Reacting to the Krishna Murthy report, the Ministry shot off a separate letter to the NDTL Scientific Director. "It is directed that NDTL must strictly comply with the WADA International Standard of Laboratories, which stipulates that reporting of A-sample results, should occur within 10 working days of the receipt of sample.
"Based on the above mentioned norm, NDTL should anticipate the problem being faced in analysing the A-sample, and in case they are not able to test the sample within the stipulated time, immediate action should be taken, to send the sample to another WADA accredited laboratory, following due procedure with prior approval of CEO, NDTL," the letter read.
"In cases of unanticipated problems which may delay analysis, the same procedure should be followed to send the samples to another WADA accredited lab after obtaining the approval of CEO, NDTL", the Ministry said.
Source: Press Trust of India (PTI)
