Cyclists Shakeel, Waqas tested positive during National C’ship

ISLAMABAD: Two leading cyclists Mohammad Shakeel and Waqas Mehmood were tested positive for using performance enhancing drug-anabolic androgenic 19-Norandrosterone during the recently held National Championship.Syed Azhar Ali Shah, secretary Pakistan Cycling Federation (PCF) confirmed that the two were tested positive for banned drugs forcing the federation to start proceeding against them. “We have received a report from the concerned authority confirming that the two leading cyclists have been tested positive for using banned drugs. It is really unfortunate that the two have used the drugs despite clear instructions from the national and international bodies. Time and again we remind them of dangerous effects of these drugs but to no avail.” He said that the proper action would be taken against the two under the laid down rules. “The president of PCF was out of country and as such there has been some delay in issuing show cause notices. Now when he is back, the necessary action would be taken against the two found guilty of using the banned drugs.” The banned content found in both cyclists samples exceeds the banned drug’s normal limit of 15ng/ml.One of the cyclists Shakeel even received reprimand against his participation in the Asian Games on the recommendations of non-recognised federation. “We are about to issue show cause notice to the two for failing drug test. Their respective departments would also be intimated on the development and their version would also be sought accordingly.”Azhar Ali Shah said that the committee would soon be constituted to look into the breach. “We would follow the proper course as is prescribed by the world body to decide the fate of two. Both cyclists have been found guilty of using performance enhancing drugs and as such have exposed themselves to the penalty.”The News has learnt that both cyclists would be given opportunity to narrate their side of story before committee recommends ban or fine. They would have the option to ask for repeat of tests. In case of positive second test, the two would be up for heavy penalty.Since it was second breach from Shakil who was also found using drug previously, the cyclist could well face life ban while there are good chances that Waqas would be handed out four-year ban.“It is up to the committee to decide on their fate considering the samples of tests. Shakil definitely is up against heavy ban while Waqas would also be facing ban if proven guilty,” Azhar Shah. Recently a leading Pakistan cricketer Ahmad Shahzad was also found guilty of using recreational banned drug and faced ban. Prior to that, leading left arm spinner Raza Hasan also served almost three years of ban that badly affect his cricketing career.

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