Patiala, December 13
Six months after the big doping scandal hit Indian sports, leading to the Sports Ministry ordering a high-level probe, the problem remains the same at the local level, with dope easily available in the city. Drugs continue to be an integral part of sports, especially in Punjab, with the recently concluded Kabaddi World Cup also seeing many dope positive cases.

Almost six months after The Tribune highlighted the easy availability of drugs, the ground situation is the same with the 22 chemist shops located near the National Institute of Sports (NIS) and other parts of the city selling these drugs without prescription.

A week-long investigation by The Tribune highlights how sportsmen just walk out of NIS in the evening, rush to a chemist shop and buy the schedule ‘H’ drugs with ease. Two athletes, when approached after they had bought a packet of Neurabol, first tried to run away but when confronted again, claimed that their seniors had asked for these tablets.

The Tribune team, dressed as athletes, went shopping for these banned drugs and procured steroids like Testosterone, Methoxy Polyethylene, Nandrolone Decanoate injections, Zendol, Danazol, Menabolol, Stenbolone and Stenazolol and some growth hormones from medical stores in the city. All of these are Schedule H drugs, which cannot be sold without prescriptions.

"You have to pay as per the MRP and do not consume all at once even if the competition is near," comes the advice from a chemist who winks and wishes good luck.

A former National camper said that the more established names in the sporting industry now prefer water-based foreign drugs as they have a faster wash-out time. Already over a dozen Indian athletes are under the doping cloud of doping and of these top eight were caught with traces of Methanndienone and Stenazolol.

These athletes claimed that these drugs were in the Ginseng supplied to them by their sacked foreign coach, Yuri Ogrodnik, a claim later established by the National Drug Testing Laboratory (NDTL).

Interestingly Ginseng supplements are also available easily in the city and products such as coffee and choco powder laced with Ginseng supplements are available. Not only NIS athletes but other sportsmen are also consuming the same.

A spokesman of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) said that their rules are clear and if the sale of such drugs goes unabated near a premier sporting institute, the authorities should tie up with the local government and take stern action.

Retired Chief Justice Mukul Mudgal told The Tribune that he was preparing another report on how the athletes take to doping and there is ample need to guide them against it. “Awareness on drugs and dope is too less and there vast scope of improvement,” he said.

Earlier, in July this year, following the doping scandal, the State Government had transferred a few officials and had promised regular monitoring. The NIS authorities had also promised regular raids in coordination with the local health department, but nothing has happened with the passing of time. Following the scandal NIS had also lost its right of holding camps with the Sports Minister keen to turn it into a sporting academy.

Patiala, December 13
In a major setback to Indian athletics in run up to the 2012 London Olympics, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has made it clear that they would not accept any stand from Indian authorities, including the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), in trying to bail out their dope-tainted athletes and would challenge any decision that helps these athletes escape with a lighter sentence. This could lead to the athletes facing more proceedings before they get a final clearance.

Despite a clean chit to the by the Justice Mukul Mudgal Panel and the NADA panel decision still being kept reserved, the IAAF has stated that they would challenge anything that helps the athletes get away with a lighter sentence.

IAAF sources confirmed that the cases of two athletes of international standard -- Mandeep Kaur and Juana Murmu -- are covered by stricter rules. “If the NADA-appointed Anti Disciplinary Panel gives them any benefit of doubt, the IAAF would surely call for the entire case file at the earliest and challenge the sentence in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland,” they said.

The sources added that as for the rest of the athletes, the IAAF might challenge them as per rules in the NADA Appeals Panel after the verdict. These athletes include long jumper Hari Krishan, shot-putter Sonia, quarter-milers Ashwini Akkunji, Sini Jose, Priyanka Panwar, and Tiana Mary.

Following a possible clean chit proposed by Justice Mudgal to the eight athletes, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) is now awaiting the verdict by the NADA Disciplinary Panel. The panel can hand down a two-year ban, or a one-year ban, in case of any doubts.

Speaking to The Tribune, an IAAF official said that they are yet to hear from the AFI about the case, but they are sure that no athlete would be allowed to go scot-free. “There are prescribed rules by IAAF and they have to be adhered at all costs. If we feel that the athletes are getting some benefit of doubt, we will appeal against the decision,” he said, over phone from the IAAF headquarters in Monaco following an email query.

The official further confirmed that any Government-appointed panel or inquiry cannot hamper IAAF proceedings. “I can confirm that from whatever information we have on this particular case, for all these athletes to take part in the 2012, Olympics is next to impossible, given the seriousness of the charges,” he stated.

Director AFI, M.L. Dogra has already said that that their federation cannot intervene in this issue and would forward any communiqué from NADA to IAAF.

All athletes have a deadline of July 12, 2012 to qualify for the Olympics and for that to happen they would have to be among the top-16 bracket. India does not have the bench strength to compete at that level, despite over six months in hand. Their top six are already facing dope charges.

New Delhi, December 13
Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar on Tuesday lashed out at the BCCI after his demand of $1 million (Rs 5 crore) per season for media and governing council related activities involving the IPL was turned down by the board's working committee.

"BCCI has made an U-turn on my contract. I am baffled that BCCI has refused to pay me my dues. I am shaken by the reports I have been reading," Gavaskar said.

Gavaskar had claimed that he had been assured by former BCCI president Sharad Pawar and Arun Jaitley that the dues would be cleared. "Sharad Pawar and Arun Jaitley both promised me that my dues will be cleared. Sharad Pawar and Lalit Modi had promised me a Rs 4 crore IPL contract after I refused the initial offer," he said. The issue came up for discussion in Monday's working committee meeting after Gavaskar wrote to BCCI.

"I had requested the BCCI president and he said all 'we needed was a confirmation from Mr Pawar. Pawar then spoke to (Arun) Jaitley who assured me it would come in the meeting."

Gavaskar said he was not worried about this controversy having any impact on his commentary stint. "I don't see any conflict with contract. These are two completely different things. One is the broadcaster contract and the other is about commitment regarding IPL."

Asked to comment on Anil Kumble's resignation as NCA's chairman, Gavaskar said, "When someone of his (Anil's) credibility speaks about a programme then one should always discuss it properly. You may not agree with him 100 per cent but one should look at what he says.

The legendary opener feels that BCCI should have handled the Kumble issue in a better manner.

"He has played the game at the highest level and has also suffered from injuries. So if he had a plan, it must have been for the benefit of players. The board could have told him that look this is expensive but we can try and make certain adjustments.

"As a chairman of NCA, I use to be in Bangalore attending policy making meetings at the NCA, but I wasn't present there full-time. It would be great if someone is associated with the day-to-day activities of the NCA," Gavaskar said.

Kumble offered his resignation, apparently, after serious differences with top board officials regarding the functioning of NCA. — PTI

Chandigarh, December 13
City girl Amandeep Drall grabbed a two-shot lead over Order of Merit leader Vani Kapoor in the first round of the USHA All India Ladies Amateur, the flagship event of the IGU's domestic Tour, here on Tuesday.

19-year-old Amandeep from Shivalik Golf Course in Chandimandir, carded a one-over 72, while Vani carded 74 as the duo opened a handy lead over the rest. Gursimar Badwal shot 77 and Tvesa Malik 78. Anisha Padukone and Gurbani Singh, the 2009 champion, shot 79 each. Aditi Ashok had to struggle with an 80, as did Mehar Atwal, Raksha Phadke and Nikita Arjun. Amandeep had three birdies and four bogeys and two of her bogeys came on the par-fives, the second and the 13th.

Vani Kapoor also seemed like coming in with a 72, with two birdies, but she dropped two shots on the 16th and 18th to fall to 74. The All India Amateur Ladies golf dates back to 1906 and it is now more than 100 years old, though the event was not held a few times in the 1940s. Vani is leading the current Order of Merit at 227 points and holds a 16-point lead over her nearest rival, Gurbani Singh (211), and lying third is Aditi Ashok (209).

The points are calculated on the basis of six-best finishes. The event is being held at the Chandigarh Golf Club in a city which has produced many top golfers in both men and women's section for India. Usha is supporting the four regional events, Southern India, the Northern India, Western and Eastern India and the All India Amateur events on the IGU Ladies circuit.

Usha also supports Junior golf with tournaments at Delhi, Bangalore and Chandigarh and has been conducting the Junior Training Programme at the DGC since 2006.

London, December 13
Frank Lampard came off the bench to convert a late penalty as Chelsea beat Manchester City 2-1 on Monday to inflict the Premier League leaders' first defeat of the season.

City, reduced to 10 men for the last half hour, had wasted no time getting off the mark when Mario Balotelli netted in the second minute after a delightful through-ball from Sergio Aguero. Chelsea then weathered a literal and metaphorical storm as City dominated the opening period at a rainy Stamford Bridge and were lucky not to concede a penalty before levelling through a Raul Meireles volley in the 34th minute.

That goal and the 58th-minute sending off of City left back Gael Clichy raised the home side's spirits and when Joleon Lescott handled Daniel Sturridge's shot, substitute Lampard fired home from the penalty spot on 83 minutes.

City's first defeat in 15 matches opened up the title race. They have 38 points, two ahead of champions Manchester United and seven clear of third-placed Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.

"We needed to win really to stay in the race," Lampard told Sky Sports. "I was very relieved when it (the penalty) hit the back of the net."

City had sought to give a quick answer to questions over what effect last week's Champions League exit might have on their domestic campaign as they raced into an early lead. Aguero saw the space in the Chelsea defence to send a pin-point pass from the outside of his right foot to Balotelli, who rounded keeper Petr Cech and calmly slotted the ball in.

The Italian striker greeted his goal with something much closer to a celebration than his usual nonchalance, half raising his arms as a flicker of a smile crossed his lips. — Reuters

New Delhi, December 13
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Secretary-General Raja Randhir Singh has been elected as the chief patron of the Olympian Association of India (OAI). Office-bearers to the body were elected at the IOA Bhawan here yesterday. Hockey Olympian Balbir Singh (Sr.) and athletics legend Milkha Singh have been elected patrons. Aslam Sher Khan (hockey) was elected as the president of the OAI while Gurbachan Singh Randhawa (athletics) was elected senior vice-president.

Other key office-bearers are: Vice-presidents: Harbinder Singh and Col. Balbir Singh (hockey), Gurbir Singh Sandhu (shooting). Secretary: Ajit Pal Singh (hockey) and joint-secretary: Sanjeev Kumar Singh (archery).

Aslam Sher Khan said he will do his best for the welfare of the sportspersons while IOA acting president Vijay Kumar Malhotra termed the formation of the OAI as a step in the right direction, to involve sportspersons as key partners, in running of the sports associations in the country.

Yokohama, December 13
Barcelona midfielder Javier Mascherano has promised that the Spanish giants will not be caught napping at the Club World Cup in Japan despite struggling to adjust to jet-lag. European kings Barca face Asian champions Al Sadd in the semifinals on Thursday after a pulsating 3-1 'Clasico' win at Real Madrid last weekend.

Mascherano told reporters on Tuesday that the long flight and quick turnaround were tough and Barcelona would not underestimate their Middle Eastern opponents. "It's difficult to sleep well," the former Liverpool enforcer said after training in Yokohama, the bags under his eyes testifying to his problems.

"We are trying to adapt with (sleeping) tablets but it's difficult," added the Argentine. "We know the team from Qatar is very physical. They're strong and have had more time to prepare. We played on Saturday and arrived (in Japan) after the game, 13 hours flying. It's not easy to beat a team like (Al Sadd) in this kind of a tournament."

Before training, the Barcelona squad presented personalised replica shirts to a group of children from Fukushima, the area hit by a nuclear meltdown triggered by March's deadly tsunami.

Barcelona will be bidding to win the seven-team Club World Cup for the second time in three years after beating Argentina's Estudiantes in the 2009 final in Abu Dhabi. "We will do everything to win the trophy because it will mean we are the best team in the world," said Mascherano. — Reuters

Chennai, December 13
Two-time winner Marin Cilic of Croatia has been ruled out of the 2012 Chennai Open, India's only ATP World Tour event, due to an injury.

The 17th edition of the tournament will be held at the SDAT Nungambakkam Tennis Stadium from January 2 to 8 and will see in action an impressive line-up of Indian and international players including world number nine Janko Tipsarevic and world number 10 Nicolas Almagro, defending champion Stanislas Wawrinka and former champion Xavier Malisse.

World number 21 Cilic, winner of the prestigious singles title in 2009 and 2010, suffered a patella tendon injury that has ruled him out of the Chennai tournament as well as the season's first grand slam, the Australian Open.

With this withdrawal, Karol Beck of Slovakia, ranked no. 100 will be a part of the singles main draw at the event, considered to be South Asia's premier.

"Having started the previous five seasons at the Chennai Open, the city is a home away from home for me. Only an injury could have kept me away from the Chennai Open," crowd favourite left-handed Croatian said.

"Thankfully, I am recovering well from the patella tendon injury and I'll surely be back next year. I wish all the participants the best for the tournament. I'll be following it closely," he added. — PTI

New Delhi, December 13
Grappling with lack of form, Saina Nehwal will have to raise her game if she hopes to end the year on a high when she starts her campaign in the women's singles of the season-ending BWF World Superseries Finals at China tomorrow.

The 21-year-old Indian had an indifferent year in 2011 and she will look to make an impact when she starts her campaign in Group B against Bae Youn Joo of Korea in the opening round tomorrow.

The world number four has been clubbed along with China's Xin Wang and Sato Sayaka of Japan, besides Joo, and the first step for the Indian will be to qualify for the Elimination round.

Joo is ranked ninth in the world and Saina has a 3-1 record against the Korean. The Arjuna awardee will look to keep the slate clean.

However, Sayaka has a 1-1 record against Saina and has beaten her early this year at the Korean Open even though the Indian was quick to avenge her loss in the Indonesian Open Super Series in June.

The toughest opponent for Saina will be the World number three Xin Wang, who has always enjoyed an upper hand against the Indian, defeating her four times. — PTI

BRIEFLY

DSA Super League from today
NEW DELHI: Delhi Tigers will take on Royal Club in the opening Pool I match of the Delhi Soccer Association B Division Super League, to be played at the Jasola ground from Wednesday. Six teams, who qualified from the preliminary league, will contest for the league title. The teams are: Pool I: Columban Youngster, Delhi Tigers and Royal Club. Pool II: Victory, Young Sports and New Friends. — TNS

Kvitova is ITF Champion
LONDON: Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic have been named ITF World Champions for 2011. Djokovic won the Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open in a stellar year in which took over as the top-ranked men's player, finishing with a 70-6 overall record. Djokovic, the first man other than Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to be given the award since 2003, says "starting with victory in last year's Davis Cup final, this has been an almost perfect 12 months for me." — AP

Dav wants say in selection
Karachi: The strongest candidate to take over as head coach of the Pakistan cricket team, Dav Whatmore, has made it clear to the PCB that he wants full authority and powers in selection matters if he is to accept the job. According to a report in the 'Jang' newspaper, quoted a member of the PCB committee entrusted with the job of shortlisting the prospective coaches as saying that Whatmore had made his demands very clear to them. The member said in discussions with the committee head, Whatmore had said if he was to coach the team he wanted final authority in selection. — PTI

Indian eves win bronze medal
New Delhi: The Indian women’s hockey team won the bronze medal yesterday in the Four-Nation hockey tournament held at Buenos Aires in Argentina. According to Hockey India, the team defeated Ireland 5-3 to finish third. All the goals came in the second half. Harvey converted a penalty corner to put Ireland ahead in the 53rd minute while Deep Grace Ekka equalised, also off a penalty corner, for India four minutes later. The score remained tied at the end of regulation time and extra-time play, and the match was decided through tie-breaker shoot-out. Rani, Ritu Rani, Vandana Katariya and Anuradha Devi scored for India while Watkins and Daly hit the target for Ireland. — TNS

‘Familiarity means nothing’
New Delhi: The familiarity with each other following IPL stints will help Indian and Australian players understand one another better but it will not take any of the competitiveness away when the two sides clash in a Test series later this month, feels Aussie opener David Warner. "That some of us have played in DLF Indian Premier League over the last four years will surely help the players understand one another better but I don't think that this familiarity will take the edge away when we are on the field," Warner, who represents Delhi Daredevils in IPL, said. — PTI

‘Ponting or Hussey face axe’
Melbourne: Selectors might be forced to axe Ricky Ponting or Michael Hussey from the Australian cricket team for the upcoming four Tests against India after their dismal show in the just-concluded series with New Zealand, feels former captain Allan Border. "I think one of the old boys will go," Border told Fox Sports show Inside Cricket. “Ithink Hussey or Ponting will go." While Hussey's dip in form is recent, Ponting has been without a Test hundred for almost two years now and former Australian players feel the ex-captain is creating a tough situation for himself by not stepping down voluntarily. He's a great of the game, he's been fantastic for Australian cricket," spin legend Shane Warne said. — PTI

Punjab make strong start
Bangalore: Half centuries by Sarul Kanwar (89), Karan Goel (71) and Mayank Sidhana (batting 61) helped Punjab reach 278 for four and steal the honours on Day One of their Elite Group Ranji Trophy match against Karnataka here today. Opting to bat, Punjab, who are seeking to augment their position to notch a berth in the quarter-finals, lost a well-set Goel just before draw of stumps at the M Chinnaswamy stadium. Punjab were served well by Kanwar and Ravi Inder Singh (24) who raised 101 runs for the first wicket. Kanwar and Indier Singh had applied themselves to the task before the latter was run out. — PTI

Ojha ton takes MP to 278
Rohtak: Naman Ojha cracked his second successive century with a strokeful 160 to put Madhya Pradesh in a strong position on 278 for three on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy Elite Division match against Haryana here today. The wicketkeeper and opening batsman smashed 22 fours and five sixes during his 160-run knock, which he made from 226 balls after Madhya Pradesh elected to bat at Bansi Lal Cricket Stadium here. He had scored a match-winning 107 in Madhya Pradesh's second innings against Delhi in Indore on Friday. — PTI