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Govt to mull sanctions for PON athletes found doping
Youth and Sport Ministry spokesman Gatot S. Dewo Broto says the ministry is waiting for a list of athletes, who are proven to have been using illegal substances during the 19th edition of the National Games (PON) in October in West Java, before deliberating any measures.
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In high spirit: Colorful fireworks attract people attending the 2016 National Games' (PON) opening ceremony in Bandung, West Java, on Sept. 17. The biggest sporting event in Indonesia ran until Sept. 29. (JP/Arya Dipa)
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outh and Sport Ministry spokesman Gatot S. Dewo Broto says the ministry is waiting for a list of athletes, who are proven to have been using illegal substances during the 19th edition of the National Games (PON) in September in West Java, before deliberating any measures.
“We are still waiting for the complete results before deciding on any measures,” Gatot said on Tuesday.
Kompas reported that 12 athletes from various sports were identified as testing positive for banned substances. The reports came from a laboratory in New Delhi that had been assigned by the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA) to test samples from the competing athletes.
The unnamed athletes were said to have competed in weightlifting, equestrian and shooting, among other sports. The reports also unveiled that there have been several types of drugs used, resulting in a range of desired effects for athletes, from increased stamina to lowered heart rate.
The ministry had been asked to announce the athletes’ identities but stated that it would wait for the full report before releasing any details.
Commenting on this, general secretary of PON Hadadi said there will be numerous sanctions for the athletes proven to have used illegal substances. He said the organizers would join forces with National Sports Council (KONI) for the follow up report.
“We will have the official report in early December, and we will conduct the follow up the next week,” he said.
He said, if proven, the athletes’ medals would be revoked, including their cash bonuses. These athletes would also be suspended from sporting events for a certain amount of time. He also added that the probe could be extended to the coaches or any other officials who were involved in the case.
“There is a chance the case will be probed by the police if we find any criminal motives,” he said.
He also added that the team would consider if the drugs used were actually a medication the athletes took as part of a healing and rehabilitation process.
The list of drug-positive athletes during PON had exceeded the number at PON in 2005 in East Kalimantan, which reported five athletes involved in doping, and PON in 2008 in Riau, which recorded eight cases. (hwa)
