Last day today,only two weightlifters apply for B sample testing

Clear rules

A player needs to deposit $500 for testing as well as state whether he/she wants the World Anti-Doping Agency to open the sample in his/her presence.

Gulati said he was unsure if the world body,the International Weightlifting Federation,would agree to an extension of the deadline. It is upon them to decide if the delay is justified, Gulati said. We will forward the requests and and wait for a decision.

It is possible that the lifters have a valid reason for the delay. For instance,Rajesh Singh,who is in the army,can be given more time if he is out on the field, Gulati added.

Under the international bodys anti-doping policy,India,as a team,could face a suspension lasting upto two years,besides a fine of $50,000. The national body had earlier been banned twice in 2004 and 2006 as three or more lifters had tested positive in a calendar year each time.

India also face the prospect of not being able to field any weightlifter in the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi next year. That would be a big blow,considering their good performances in the Commonwealth championship that concluded on Friday in Penang in Malaysia. The 29-member squad returned with 27 medals.

Indian coach Harnaam Singh said India had a very good chance of another big haul at the Commonwealth Games. Most of the competitors who we faced in Penang will also be there in New Delhi. But we need to be able to participate first, Singh said.