Ministry asks for heroin tests on Vijender but NADA cites rulebook

NADA director general Mukul Chatterjee said that it was not possible to violate the World Anti Doping Agency code.

Chatterjee explained: In an out-of-competition test,we usually look for drugs which feature on the all-time prohibited list of WADA (steroids,diuretics,masking agents,etc). Since the consumption of heroin is not seen as an offence outside competition,its traces wont be found in a regular out-of-competition test. The sports ministry has asked us to specifically look for heroin in Vijenders sample but that is something we wont be able to do. So the test we will conduct on Vijender will be negative for heroin.

In a directive,the ministry on Monday asked NADA to perform out-of-competition test on the former world No.1 pugilist after the Punjab police claimed that he had consumed heroin at least 12 times between December and January.

Vijender has refused to be tested by the police authorities but has stated he is ready to give his blood samples to NADA,which is an accredited arm of the WADA.

Even if he is positive for heroine in tests conducted by a forensic laboratory outside NADA,Vijender is likely to escape a ban as consuming heroin outside of competition is not a punishable offence.

Action can be taken against him on moral grounds but Indian Boxing Federation and Indian Olympic Association,who are suspended by their respective world bodies,are unlikely to act against him. However,sports secretary PK Deb said they will take action against the boxer on moral grounds if he is found guilty. Vijender hasnt been tested out-of-competition since July 2012. If he is found guilty of consuming heroin,then we will take administrative action against him, Deb said.

While Deb refused to speculate what administrative action would mean,it can lead to Vijender not being allowed to train at Sports Authority of India facilities across the nation and his grants being cut.

However,any action taken by the ministry will not have a bearing at an international level,where he will be allowed to take part in all competitions – most importantly,the World Championships,which are scheduled to be held in October this year.

All the dope

* The current list of prohibited drugs by WADA is classified into three categories: Substances and methods prohibited at all times – in and out of competition (such as steroids,diuretics and blood doping); substances and methods prohibited during competition (including stimulants like methamphetamine,narcotics such as heroin,cannabis); and substances prohibited for particular sports (no alcohol in auto racing or archery).

* Out-of-competition tests: An out-of-competition test usually spots drugs whose consumption is prohibited at all times by WADA (steroids,diuretics,masking agents,etc). If any of banned drugs are found in the sample,then the player faces sanctions. Since the consumption of heroin is not seen as an offence outside competition,it is likely that its traces wont be found if a regular out-of-competition test is conducted.