It has been revealed that more than ten athletes failed drug tests at the Indian national training camp in Patiala. They have been told to leave the camp and will not be eligible to compete at the Commonwealth team selection trials, starting May 21st. That means they will not be able to represent India at the Commonwealth Championships in July, which is a silver-level Olympic qualification event.
The affected lifters are all suspended pending completion of anti-doping proceedings against them. They could face four-year bans if the charges are upheld.
The positives are said to include one for a 2010 Commonwealth gold medalist, which could refer to either Ravi Kumar Katulu or Renu Bala Chanu, who took gold in the M69 and W58 categories in 2010.
India is struggling with doping issues in weightlifting. In March, we reported that three state federations would be banned or fined for the number of anti-doping violations committed by their athletes.