CM accuses SAI, IOA of ruining Monika's career
Source: The Sangai Express / PTI

Imphal, August 10: Accusing IOA and SAI of being involved in "a big manipulative game" to keep out weightlifter Monika Devi of the Beijing Olympics, Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh today decided to push for a CBI probe into the whole episode.

"The entire episode appears to be a big manipulative game played by SAI, the National Dope Testing Laboratory and the IOA against a sportsperson whose dream for Olympics has been shattered," Singh told a press conference here.

O Ibobi arrives to address the press on Monica Devi's case

He said as per the international norms the Sports Authority of India (SAI) should have made public the dope testing reports of the Manipuri weightlifter at least 72 hours before her proposed departure for the Chinese capital but this was not done.

He said the SAI report was sent to the Indian Weightlifting Federation at 12.30 pm on August 6 while Monika's flight was at 3.30 am on the same day.

Singh said a probe should be conducted into how the SAI report was leaked "in violation of rules".

"The SAI, the highest authority of Indian sports, has done a great damage to the career of the Monika, it's a great injustice with a pre-planned motive, done to an international sportsperson," he said.

Singh also said Monika would not be sent to Beijing anymore as there was no possibility for her entry request to be entertained by the Games organisers.

"Monika will not go to Beijing now as there is no way for her to compete in the Games," he said.

Meanwhile, Indian Weightlifting Federation President Harbhajan Singh blamed the "procedural lapses" for Monika missing the Games.

"It was all a procedural lapse and those responsible for it would be taken to task," he said.