While the test result of Vijender Singh’s blood and urine samples collected by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) is eagerly awaited, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has made it clear that taking a sample out-of-competition and looking for heroin would be a breach of the World Anti-Doping Code.
This should come as a huge relief for Vijender, who is fighting a psychological and social battle.
WADA has said there was no problem in the Government seeking a test.
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“However, if the information given by the Government is that an athlete is using heroin, the test would be conducted in-competition only, as this substance is not prohibited out-of-competition.
“Given that samples may be collected and alkalised only for anti-doping purposes, taking a sample out-of-competition to look for heroin would be a breach of the World Anti-Doping Code art. 6.2,” said a latest WADA communication.
Sports Secretary and the National Dope Testing Laboratory head P.K. Deb, had pointed out that they had gone through rules and found that there was nothing wrong in a procedure he had suggested, even as he agreed there could be no sanctions following a ‘positive test’ in such a scenario.
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Misses trials
Meanwhile, Vijender, who has been on leave from national camp till April 8, missed the selection trials for exposure trips to Cyprus and Cuba.