Sukma weightlifting saga a heavy issue

A doping scandal has hit the Malaysian weightlifting scene, yet again.

Three weightlifters - two from Terengganu and one from Perlis - tested positive for banned substances ahead of their events in the Malaysia Games (Sukma).

This resulted in the Malaysia Weighlifting Federation (MWF) turning its back on the National Sports Council (NSC).

In a rather bold, and perhaps unprecedented move, MWF withdrew its officials from Sukma. 

MWF president Datuk Ayub Rahmat was quoted by The Star as saying: 

"I've stated earlier that we will bar the whole team from competing even if one is tested positive for doping. I've made my intention clear to NSC but they want to carry on with the Sukma programme." 

NSC issued a statement earlier this evening, saying: 

"Ketetapan pembatalan seluruh pasukan oleh Persatuan Angkat Berat Malaysia itu juga adalah yang pertama seumpamanya di dunia, berbeza dengan peraturan saingan di peringkat antarabangsa yang hanya membatalkan penyertaan atlet yang terbukti gagal ujian doping."


On Sept 18, NSC issued a statement regarding the rescheduling of the weightlifting event - with no mention that three athletes had tested positive for banned substances.

Let's not forget that weightlifting was dropped from NSC's programme following a slew of doping issues and two positive cases at the 2018 Perak Games. 

Is it safe to say that:

i. the relationship between NSC and MWF has come to a boiling point? OR

ii. NSC is being reasonable by allowing the other athletes, who are clean, to compete? OR 

iii. MWF should be applauded for sticking to its guns to ensure weightlifters in Malaysia are free from banned drugs?

I feel for the athletes who competed as their efforts will not be recognised by the national body.

But after reading what Terengganu Weightlifting Association president Shafaruddin Mustafae said in NST, I believe MWF's tough stance is the only way forward.

"One of the athletes was suffering from asthma due to the cold weather in Cameron Highlands while the other had been struggling with a shoulder injury. They had purchased medicine from a pharmacy in Cameron Highlands to help them."

Despite the repeated reminders by the association, National Sports Institute and Anti-Doping Agency of Malaysia, athletes cannot claim ignorance. They should go rightfully consult an expert before consuming anything - even more so in a sport like weightlifting.

So yeah, when the educational programmes and reminders don't seem to work, perhaps it's best to make the not-so-popular but right decision.

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