KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 20 — The Malaysian Weightlifting Federation (PABM) has withdrawn from conducting the weightlifting event at the 20th Malaysia Games (Sukma).
PABM president Datuk Ayub Rahmat in a statement yesterday said that the withdrawal follows a decision made by the governing body over doping-related offences which were frowned upon by the National Sports Council (MSN).
According to Ayub, the decision was approved by the PABM General Meeting and executive committee meeting.
The decision was that if any athlete from the state affiliate/association tested positive for doping, then the athlete concerned as well as others in the affiliate/state association would be suspended from participating in the 20th Sukma.
They would also be barred from joining any local or international championships for two years.
Meanwhile, Ayub said PABM had received a report from the Malaysian Anti-Doping Agency (Adamas) regarding three weightlifters from two states who tested positive for doping prior to the Games.
Earlier, the 20th Sukma Special Technical Committee decided to postpone the weightlifting competition by a day to September 20 (today). It was originally scheduled to begin yesterday.
— Bernama
