New Delhi: Commonwealth Games gold medallist weightlifter Geeta Rani's confirmatory 'B' sample test has also returned positive for a banned substance and she is set to end her career in ignominy as she faces the prospect of a lengthy ban from the sport.
Rani, who won a gold in 2006 CWG and three silver in the 2004 Asian Championships, had tested positive for a banned substance in her 'A' sample collected during the National Games (January 31-February 14) in Kerala, where she won a gold in women's 75-plus kg category.
She has already been provisionally suspended after her 'A' sample result and she will now have to face a NADA panel hearing. The NADA panel will decide her case and the quantum of sanction, if any, to be imposed on her. Under the new NADA/WADA Rules, a first time dope offender faces a maximum four-year ban.
In addition to the National Games dope violation, 33-year-old Rani's sample taken during the All India Police Meet last month has also returned positive for a banned substance.
"Geeta Rani's 'B' sample has also returned positive for the same banned substance as in the 'A' sample. Now the NADA panels will decide her case and the quantum of sanction if at all to be handed on her," Indian Weightlifting Federation Vice-President Sahdev Yadav told PTI today.
"What aggravates Geeta's case is that her 'A' sample taken during the All India Police Meet has also returned positive for a banned substance. Now, the NADA panels will decide whether the dope violation (during Police Meet) will be counted as her second dope offence or not," he added.
If Rani returns positive in the 'B' sample taken during the All India Police Meet and the NADA panel rules it as second dope violation, she may be banned for upto eight years, virtually ending her weightlifting career.
