Indian weightlifters participation in the Commonwealth Games at home is in jeopardy. Reason: the Weightlifting Federation of India (WFI),which owes the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) a balance fine of nearly Rs 1.9 crore,is not in a position to pay the entire amount before the October Games,as stipulated. In fact,the WFI has to first clear dues amounting to about Rs 47 lakh before the July 15 deadline and thereafter clear the remaining within a month. No money The entire amount comes nearly Rs 1.9 crore and and the WFI doesnt know whom to approach. Talking to The Indian Express,WFI secretary-general Sahadev Yadav confirmed the federation did not have the money to pay the international body. We have received a reminder from the IWF. The third instalment is due on July 15 and we dont know where to get the funds from, said Yadav. He confirmed that,in case of a failure by the federation to pay the remainder,Indian lifters may not be able to participate in the Commonwealth Games. Yes,it is very much possible. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had bailed us out on the previous occasion before the SAF Games in Dhaka. I dont know who will help us now, said Yadav,who claimed that India could lose out on a number of medals in that case,besides a loss of face on the international circuit. Final decision later A final decision will be taken after WFI president BP Baishya returns to Delhi. We will be meeting next week to take a decision on the whole issue, said Yadav. The Indian federation had been fined after six lifters tested positive in random IWF dope tests in 2009 during a preparatory camp in Pune. Following criticism from various quarters,the then office-bearers of the national federation had resigned en masse,necessitating fresh elections in December last. While the International Wrestling Federation had imposed a hefty fine of $500,000 on the federation and debarred it from participation in any international meet till the dues were cleared,WFI got permission to field a team during the SAF Games in Dhaka in February this year after paying part of the fine ($ 50,000),which was also given by the IOA.
