Weightlifter Monika Devi was today cleared of dope charges by Sports Authority of India (SAI) but there appeared to be little chances of her taking part in the Beijing Olympics.
NEW DELHI: Weightlifter Monika Devi was today cleared of dope charges by Sports Authority of India (SAI) but there appeared to be little chances of her taking part in the Beijing Olympics.
"All doping charges against Monika have been cleared by SAI but IOA has not agreed on the ground that time is very short and they wont be able to reopen the entry process for her but they will be trying to send her to Beijing tonight.
The clearance for the lifter from Manipur, who was pulled out of the Indian squad for Beijing Olympics almost at the eleventh hour on July 7 after she had reportedly tested positive for anabolic stereoid, after Chief Minister I Ibobi Singh took up the issue with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here today.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) said there was little time left for Monika to take part in the 69kg competition of the Olympics since and International Olympic Committee would not reopen the entry process for her.
"It is too late for Monika to come to Beijing now and take part in the Olympic Games because we have closed the entry process," IOA Secretary General Randhir Singh said.
Asked if IOA President Suresh Kalmadi could do anything to help Monika take part in the competition scheduled for August 13, Randhir said it was not possible at this level.
"What can Mr Kalmadi do? It is not National Games. It is Olympic Games and only IOC can take a decision," said Randhir who is also a member of the International Olympic Committee.
Deputy Chef-de-Mission of Indian Olympic contingent in Beijing Baljit Singh Sethi said, "Monika just cannot take part in the Beijing Olympics.
"As of now, the organisers have not accepted her entry and to be honest I don't see her competing here," Sethi added.
Asked to confirm if Monika was indeed coming here, Sethi said, "See, you cannot stop anyone from coming here. But the thing is she cannot take part. Her name has been withdrawn and how can she compete? She will not be allowed to enter the Olympic village."
Singh pointed out the draw of contestants in the 69kg category has been drawn up and Monika's name does not figure in that.
During the meeting with the Prime Minister, Ibobi Singh sought his intervention on the issue of Monika's exclusion from the Indian Olympic team which has sparked widespread protest in Manipur where a 24-hour strike was enforced yesterday to protest the IOA withdrawing her from the team.
"The Chief Minister met Prime Minister this evening and requested him to do justice to Monika whose exclusion from the Indian team was a doubtful decision," Biren Singh said.
Biren, who was also present at the meeting, said "we urged the Prime Minister to ensure removing favouritism and neopotism from the selection procedure for sports persons."
Asked what was Prime Minister's response, Biren said "he assured us to look into the matter."
Earlier, Manipur Olympic Association (MOA) had decided not to participate in any national championship and coming National Games if Monika was not sent to Beijing as part of the Indian Olympic team.
Biren Singh said the Manipur government was not happy with IOA "refusing" to allow Monika to travel to Beijing because of time constraint.
Biren and Monika, who was present here today, demanded a CBI inquiry into the whole episode.
The Manipur Sports Minister said the lifter should be allowed to participate in the Olympics as she has a "great chance of winning a medal for the country".
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