The International University Sports Federation (FISU)
declared?in Bangkok?on Wednesday that the results of all
drug tests taken so far during the 24th Universiade had been
negative, categorically denying media reports of a doping
scandal.
Larry Rink, Chairman of FISU's Medical Commission, told a press
conference, "I'm happy to report that all tests to date are
negative. We have no positive tests to date, and we have analyzed
completely 276 samples."
The Medical Commission chairman also noted that all the drug
tests during the Bangkok Universiade were conducted strictly in
accordance with World Anti-Doping Agency rules and that the
laboratory of the Thai National Doping Control Center, which
analyzes the samples, was among the best.
All the champions and athletes were selected randomly, he said,
adding that altogether over 600 athletes would take the tests
during the Bangkok Universiade.
On Tuesday, Western media reported that the World University
Games were rocked by a doping scandal, quoting Rink as saying that
there had been positive drug tests and that the details would
remain private until the appeal process was over.
Rind categorically denied the reports, saying that the media had
misunderstood what he said.
When asked that if the "some positive tests" he mentioned on
Tuesday were proved negative after complete analysis on Wednesday,
Rink said that he would comment no more on his words, but once
again stressed the impeccable results of the drug tests.
Eric Saintrond, FISU Director-General, said that FISU officials
learned about the scandal reports only after receiving a phone call
from the FISU headquarters on Wednesday morning.
The FISU officials in Bangkok then found the news on the
Internet and were shocked, he said.
The 24th Universiade, hosted by Bangkok, kicked off on August 8
and will run till August 18. About 12,000 athletes and officials
from around the world have participated in the games.
(Xinhua News Agency August 16, 2007)