Weightlifting: Female athlete found positive for doping - Adamas

KUALA LUMPUR: The country's weightlifting scene has once again been embroiled in controversy as a female athlete tested positive for doping in October.

It is understood that the 22-year-old athlete tested positive for the banned substance 'sibutramine' at the National Weightlifting Championship which took place in Rompin, Pahang.

Malaysian Anti-Doping Agency (ADAMAS) director Azura Abidin who confirmed the matter informed that the agency had submitted a complete report to the honorary secretary of the Malaysian Weightlifting Federation (MWF) via email last Tuesday (Nov 30).

"ADAMAS will only conduct a hearing session if the athlete chooses to be tried," she said when contacted by Bernama yesterday.

In September, the country's sporting arena was rocked by a doping issue involving two national weightlifters, which saw MWF and the National Sports Council (MSN) agree to dissolve the existing squad.

The decision to dissolve the squad resulted in all four coaches and 13 athletes involved having their contracts terminated effective Nov 1.

-- BERNAMA