“We will suspend coaches for drug offenses,” says Indian athletics chief Adille Sumariwalla

New Delhi: The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) on Friday said the same penalties will be imposed on both coaches and athletes if the latter fails a drug test. This initiative aims to hold coaches accountable and promote a culture of clean sport, said AFI President Adille Sumariwalla.

“Coaches of athletes who are caught and punished for doping will receive a similar punishment. “It is high time to denounce, name and shame the people,” Sumariwalla said in a virtual press conference after the AFI at its board meeting on Friday made the groundbreaking decision.

“We will suspend the coaches (who coached drug-related offenses), we will inform the departments concerned and they will not be allowed into the stadiums.” These people must be removed from all positions they hold.

The decision came on the day it was announced that Olympic boxer Parveen Hooda had been provisionally suspended for a reporting violation, which is considered an anti-doping rule violation. IANS

Also read: Sumariwalla is elected vice president of the World Athletics Governing Council

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