BERNAMA – Spot Checks Part Of Ongoing Initiatives To Tackle Doping Menace

Maintaining Integrity in Weightlifting: MWF’s Ongoing Efforts Against Doping

The Malaysian Weightlifting Federation (MWF) has been relentless in its efforts to ensure that the sport of weightlifting remains free from doping issues. The federation has implemented a series of measures to detect and prevent the use of banned substances among its national weightlifters.

Collaboration with ADAMAS

At the heart of MWF’s anti-doping initiatives is its collaboration with the Anti-Doping Agency of Malaysia (ADAMAS). According to MWF president Datuk Ayub Rahmat, the federation is extremely strict about anti-doping matters and has an ongoing collaboration with ADAMAS.

"We have asked ADAMAS to carry out periodic and spot checks," said Ayub. "This means all lifters must be ever ready whenever ADAMAS carries out its checks… so, that is one of the things we do to prevent a recurrence of doping issues."

Conduct of Spot Checks

As part of its anti-doping efforts, ADAMAS conducts spot checks on national weightlifters to detect the presence of banned substances. These spot checks are a key component of MWF’s anti-doping program, and all lifters are required to be prepared to undergo testing at any time.

Doping Issues in the Past

However, weightlifting has not been immune to doping issues in the past. In 2021, several national lifters were sanctioned for using banned substances. In 2022, the 2022 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia Games (SUKMA) was marred by a doping scandal, with five weightlifters caught using banned substances. Two weightlifting medallists at SUKMA 2022 also tested positive for anabolic-androgenic steroids.

Recent Progress

Despite the challenges faced in the past, MWF and ADAMAS have made significant progress in eliminating doping issues in the sport. According to Ayub, weightlifting has recorded no doping issues for the past two years (2023 and 2024).

Conclusion

The ongoing efforts of MWF and ADAMAS are crucial in maintaining the integrity of weightlifting and ensuring that the sport remains a platform for talented athletes to excel without the influence of banned substances. By prioritizing anti-doping measures and promoting a culture of clean sports, MWF and ADAMAS are taking concrete steps to safeguard the reputation of weightlifting and its athletes.

FAQs

1. What measures is MWF taking to prevent doping issues in weightlifting?
   MWF is collaborating with ADAMAS to conduct periodic and spot checks on national weightlifters, ensuring that all lifters are ever ready to undergo testing.
2. What kind of substances were detected in the past doping scandals?
   Banned substances such as Metandienone, Terbutaline, and Oxymetholone were detected in the past doping scandals.
3. Have there been any positive developments in recent years regarding doping issues in weightlifting?
   Yes, according to MWF president Datuk Ayub Rahmat, weightlifting has recorded no doping issues for the past two years (2023 and 2024).
4. What is ADAMAS responsible for in relation to anti-doping efforts?
   ADAMAS is responsible for conducting spot checks on national weightlifters to detect the presence of banned substances and ensuring compliance with anti-doping regulations.