Two Pak cyclists test positive for banned substance

KARACHI: Pakistan’s two international cyclists Mohammad Shakil and Waqas Mehboob have tested positive for prohibited substances, Pakistan Cycling Federation (PCF) said on Wednesday.“The result of dope tests conducted during National Track Cycling Championship held in December 2018 at Lahore has been received. Out of nine, two riders have tested positive,” PCF said in a press release on Wednesday. “Necessary disciplinary action will be taken as per procedure,” the PCF said.Both riders used the same drugs.“Adverse analytical finding for 19-Norandrosterone (19 NA) at a concentration greater than 15 na/ml Androaenic Anabolic Steroid,” the result of their tests said.“PCF is committed to achieve the world cycling governing body’s (UCI) target of dope-free cycling. In order to avoid any undesirable situation all coaches are requested to kindly instruct their cyclists to adopt all preventive measures recommended by the Pakistan Anti-Doping Organisation (ADOP) in the best interest of cycling in Pakistan,” it said.Both cyclists represent Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC). They have seven days to file an appeal against the result.A senior official of the PCF told ‘The News’ that both the riders had been charge-sheeted. “A disciplinary committee has been constituted for the purpose. Everything will be conducted as per proper procedure,” the official said.To a query, he said that for the first offence, a player could be banned for at least four years. The two riders won medals in the national event in Lahore.The test samples had been sent to India for screening, the official said.It was also learnt that Shakeel, a former WAPDA player, had also tested positive during the 2014 Incheon Asian Games.However, the PCF official said that the PCF did not have the result of that test as the federation was not involved in the tour of the rider.The official said that SSGC had been informed and asked to pay the expenses of the tests.The official further said that tests of nine cyclists were conducted, which cost the federation Rs41,000 per athlete.

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