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Manju's gold confiscated

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25 October 2010 12:34 pm - 28     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Sri Lankan sports chiefs have confiscated the gold medal that boxer Manju Wanniarachchi won at the Commonwealth Games in India. They gave him two weeks to answer doping charges.

"We have taken his medal into our custody, pending the completion of inquiries," Sri Lankan Olympic Committee chairman Hemasiri Fernando told reporters. "He has two weeks to make a written submission."

Wanniarachchi, 30, Sri Lanka's only gold-medal winner at the Games, apparently tested positive for the performance-enhancing steroid nandrolone.

The allegations are included in a report sent to Colombo by organizers of the New Delhi Games. The boxer faces a two-year ban and will be stripped of his medal if his "B" test also proves positive.

Fernando said that Wanniarachchi may have unknowingly taken the banned steroid when he consulted a physician several months ago.  "If that is indeed the case, we will plead for a lenient punishment," Fernando said.

A sports ministry official said the probe would extend to the physician who treated Wanniarachchi. Police had already interviewed the physician, a police source said. Wanniarachchi beat Welshman Sean McGoldrick in the bantamweight category final to clinch gold.

 Sri Lanka also won one silver and one bronze medal in boxing and weightlifting during the games, which were held from October 3 to 14.  Two Sri Lankan athletes tested positive for nandrolone in 1998 and 2007, but on both occasions they were cleared after alleged flaws in the inquiries against them. (AFP)


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  Comments - 28

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  • Anver Tuesday, 26 October 2010 01:56 AM

    I feel very sorry for the young Kandy Vidyarthians who were so happy to see their "Manju Aiya" winning a place in sports history and like the rest of us feel badly let down.

    lionheart Tuesday, 26 October 2010 08:35 AM

    I know a few friends who could change the result of the test if it is on a computer....

    paul Tuesday, 26 October 2010 08:02 AM

    typical sri lankan mind set of couple of people. if the B sample tests positive no one could lodge petitions against it. If the B sample is negative, everybody can go back to praising. If it's in you!! the case is not that you know about it or did not, he was under the substance hence a serious offense. Some body should be penalized for this act, might be the player, coach , manager etc.. somebody should be really made to feel ashamed.

    De Silva Tuesday, 26 October 2010 07:49 AM

    Similar allegations were made to Susanthika, when she won the Sydney Olympic Bronze Medal, Nature is so kind to us, Later the Bronze Became a Silver. Whatever happens here, we have some Buddhist haters in our own backyard for sure. Mr. Gotabaya please note before it is too late. SO FAR, NONE OF THE ACCUSED WERE FOUND GUILTY. It seems some people already celebrating here. Now you know why we can’t prosper as a country!. Our ship is full of garbage!.

    RAVI Tuesday, 26 October 2010 07:36 AM

    Disgraceful. He is a cheat and should be banned.

    polkiccha Tuesday, 26 October 2010 05:25 AM

    excellent comment subba in my league mate cheers!!
    some dm readers are a bunch of pessimists without a single fiber of positivity in their bodies.

    malkanthi Tuesday, 26 October 2010 05:25 AM

    One cannot blame the manager nor Manju, this is typical sri lankan style, one day cheering next day downcast! What happend to Murali?? so Manju also will be cleared.

    malkanthi Tuesday, 26 October 2010 05:22 AM

    Exactly, 'cos our mindset is so framed in a box, cannot think beyond. Who is responsible??

    ajith Tuesday, 26 October 2010 04:43 AM

    Actually, it is not the position of the SL sports chiefs to confiscate the medal for the host country and organisation. Get it back quick before they melt is down!

    KK Tuesday, 26 October 2010 04:36 AM

    what does his Manager has to say now?

    knight rider Tuesday, 26 October 2010 03:26 AM

    wow ! so much of conspiracy suspense and investigations, hope all the results will reveal the corrupt and bring an end to it all.

    Marie Perera Tuesday, 26 October 2010 03:04 AM

    Why do we try to hide the truth, accept if you have done it but, if you have not stand up against all odds!!!!

    percy wijekoon Tuesday, 26 October 2010 02:46 AM

    Participation in international events are are known well ahead.The relevent sports bodies should get their likely participants drug tested well ahead and avoid international humiliation.

    alex Tuesday, 26 October 2010 02:36 AM

    One more Subba.. 11) Raw may be behind this

    Riz Monday, 25 October 2010 12:51 PM

    Manju, pls do not let us down.

    TOEJOE Monday, 25 October 2010 11:31 PM

    all that glittetrs is not gold.

    Tissa Godagama Monday, 25 October 2010 10:33 PM

    hahaha...Well said mate.

    The comments on this forum is so out of touch with general SL public opinion.

    manzil Monday, 25 October 2010 08:28 PM

    dissolve and appoint a sri lankan commission to investigate

    Renuka Jayarathne Monday, 25 October 2010 07:49 PM

    Couldn't have said it any better!

    Desilva Monday, 25 October 2010 04:31 PM

    Mr.President have no chance for award ceremony at 'RajaGedera'.

    sunilp Monday, 25 October 2010 03:34 PM

    Due to fame & money in sports many take "drugs". I think this was the last time he took part in International sports.
    One must catch the persons behind this dirty work.

    Faqi Monday, 25 October 2010 02:55 PM

    I am very happy to note that the correct international procedure on sports controversies are being followed by the S/L Olympic committee. If we are to be accepted in the world of sports we need to follow the correct procedure.

    True LANKAN Monday, 25 October 2010 02:25 PM

    @ Subba - Fantastic ,... ha ha .. how can you think like that ..

    subba Monday, 25 October 2010 02:12 PM

    Let me guess the comments:

    1 – The government is corrupt
    2 – Fuel prices are too high, the government is to blame
    3 – This wouldn’t have happened if SF is in power
    4 – The UNP is always right
    5 – Minister Mervin Silva is somehow responsible for this
    6 – The LTTE is to blame for this
    7 – Ranjan Ramanayke should help Manju out
    8 – It’s a conspiracy, Manju is innocent, the government is the culprit
    9 – Ministers should not get involved in sport, ministers should keep out of everything including their ministries
    10 – Somehow this is linked to gem exploration

    Desa Monday, 25 October 2010 01:22 PM

    I feel sorry for this guy. He was on top one week ago and now has come crashing down. Hopefully he will be cleared of all charges. Please do not judge him, atleast untill he is proven guilty and the final reports are out.

    ashik Monday, 25 October 2010 01:14 PM

    I'm not happy

    Anil Monday, 25 October 2010 01:01 PM

    Those who were quick to felicitate him will look foolish.

    Thasneem Monday, 25 October 2010 01:01 PM

    we need gold, but not powered by banned steroid!


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