Lifters can’t pay, won’t play

NEW DELHI: The Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWF) said here on Thursday that it won’t be sending a team to participate in the Doha Asian Games next month.

The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) had earlier informed the national federations of the countries which had been banned from international tournaments that they could pay a fine of $50000 to revoke the ban. However, the president of the Indian federation HJ Dora told DNA that they were unable to raise the amount. “No, we are not sending a team. We couldn’t raise the amount,” he said. Asked if he had approached the Sports Ministry and the IOA for help, Dora said, “No. We didn’t think of asking them (Sports Ministry).”

From 1994-2000, Indian women lifters were rated among the top medal contenders in major tournaments but relentless doping scandals in the last six years has rocked the sport.