Doha targets clean fare

Doha: The World Anti-Doping Authority (WADA) announced it will have a presence at the Asian Games to highlight the fight against drugs, the same day that three Pakistani body builders were dropped following positive doping tests.

However, UAE swimming coach Greg Hodge has expressed concern at the way out-of-competition drugs tests were carried out in the run-up to the Games.

The World Anti-Doping Authority, (WADA), was set up in 1999 after an IOC conference and operates in a watchdog capacity, rather than as a testing authority.

For the first time in Asian Games history, the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), after consultation with WADA, set up a system by which athletes were randomly tested for drugs before the start of the competition, something that Hodge says is a very "positive step".

However, after witnessing the tests in action, Hodge, who has operated at the very top level of international competition in his former post as Australia's head swimming coach, is concerned that protocols are not being adhered to properly.

He said: "I received a phone call more than a week before the test saying that we were going to be tested. I was also asked when it would be convenient."

In addition, the doctor at the private clinic in Dubai where the tests were carried out left the room while one of the athletes provided a urine sample, which could allow unscrupulous athletes to switch the samples.

"The tests should be random with no less than 24 hours notice. The Asian Games has a history of drugs infringements, as do many big international competitions and this would have been a great opportunity for them to get on top of it," Hodge added.

WADA said it would be inappropriate to comment on the incident, with David Howman, WADA's Director General, only saying: "There was some liaison between us and the OCA regarding out-of-competition testing. We are not aware of any impending issues at present."

The OCA had not responded to requests for a comment at the time of going to press. Speaking more generally about testing procedures during the Asian Games, Howman said that independent observers would be present in Doha and would compile a report on their findings after the conclusion of the event.

Emphasising the fact that WADA was merely overseeing, he said: "The testing organisation must decide how many sports they are going to test and how many athletes they are going to test."