Pakistan bans two Commonwealth Games-bound female athletes over positive dope tests

Pakistan has banned its two women athletes, who were expected to compete in the Commonwealth Games 2010, for two years over their positive dope test reports.

According to the Daily Times, Sadaf Siddiqui, who represented Pakistan in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and fast-rising Javeria Hassan failed dope tests conducted during trials for the Commonwealth Games last month.

Both Sadaf and Javeria were due to take part in the 100 and 200 meters races in the Commonwealth games scheduled for October in India.

“Both Sadaf and Javeria failed dope tests and are now banned for two years, they can appeal against the ban within two weeks and if they are not cleared then the ban will continue for two years,” The Daily Times quoted Pakistan Olympic Association director general, Major Muhammad Afzal, as saying.

Sadaf is a track and field sprint athlete who competes internationally for Pakistan. She competed in the 100 metres sprint in Beijing and was placed seventh in her heat without advancing to the second round. She ran the distance in 12.41 seconds.

Javeria has appeared in several national events and participated in 100 metres and 200 metres track events. Javeria has often clinched second positions in several national athletic events.

Pakistan is expected to send a 75-member contingent to the October 3-14 Commonwealth Games which will take part in athletics, swimming, field hockey, squash, tennis, weightlifting and wrestling.