Dharna staged
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 10 2018:
Irate and discontent locals staged a sit in protest at Thongju Pechu Lampak condemning the doping accusations levelled against the Commonwealth Games weightlifting gold medallist Khumukcham Sanjita Chanu and her subsequent expulsion from Asian Games training.
The sit in protest which was organised under the aegis of Thongju Chigonglei Makhong Development Club, Kha-Naorem Leikai Meira Paibi and Kakching Khunou Meira Paibis, was also participated by a large number of sports persons.
Speaking to media persons, president of Kangleipak Kanba Ima Lup, Mongjam Shanti said that the people condemn the act of nipping such a promising sportsperson in the bud under false accusations.
Expressing suspicion regarding involvement of foul play, she claimed that many other sports persons from Manipur have mysteriously been involved in doping scandals just as they are beginning to shine in their fields.
Even though some were indeed found positive for doping, some others which had negative results were also brushed under the carpet, she claimed and added that the doping report given to Sanjita had two sample numbers (1599000 and 1599176) .
The Indian Weightlifting Federation should clarify the details regarding the two samples at the earliest, Shanti demanded.
She conveyed that the people had submitted memos to Manipur Weightlifting Federation as well as the Indian Weightlifting Federation regarding the incident before organising the sit in protest but to no avail.
Till date, even the Union Sports Minister has not responded to the appeal by Chief Minister N Biren to look into the matter, she claimed and appealed to the CM to try and pressure the authorities concerned again.
Shanti explained that the urine sample was taken from Sanjita during the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Championship which was held at USA on November 18 last year.
At that time, Sanjita was not well and as such her coaches had advised her to participate just for namesake and to begin preparation for the Commonwealth games instead, Shanti claimed and added that the people will continue to hold such protest at various parts of the State in the future.