NEW DELHI, Aug 6 (PTI): With firm backing from the Indian Weightlifting Federation, dope-tainted lifter Monika Devi today claimed innocence and alleged that she was being victimised by some members of the Sports Authority of India.
Monika, the lone weightlifter chosen to represent India in the Beijing Olympic Games, was prevented from boarding the Beijing flight last night for testing positive for a banned anabolic salt but the Manipuri said she had no idea which dope test she flunked as she cleared four tests in the last two months.
“I am innocent. I have always stayed away from doping and that is why I was selected in the trials,” a tearful Monika told reporters at a press conference here. “Everyone knows there are various international tests and no sensible athlete would do that (dope). I am ready to go to Beijing where my dope test is scheduled for tomorrow. If I fail there leave apart banning me for life, shoot me in public,” she said.
Monika, who was selected ahead of Andhra weightlifter Shailaja Pujari in the Indian selection trials last month, claimed some people in the SAI were trying to make case for Shailaja due to regional allegiance. “I had no clue about anything till 7.30 pm yesterday and at 10-10.30 it was all chaos. It was a pre-meditated move because they did not give me tickets and other stuff required for travelling to Beijing when I asked for it and told me to collect it on the next day,” she said. Monika claimed SAI direct
