SEA Games: Thai weightlifters test positive for prohibited substance, face ban

By Waylon Galvez

Thailand weightlifters, facing a lengthy ban after testing positive for banned substances, will skip the 30th Southeast Asian Games, it has been confirmed.

Philippine weightlifting coach Toni Agustin said Thursday the weightlifting association of Thailand has signified its intention not to join in tournaments sanctioned by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF).

In fact, in the World Weightlifting Championships last September in Pattaya, the Thais did not compete despite being the host.

“Sila ang nag-signify na hindi sila sasali sa events sanctioned by the IWF,” said Agustin. “Since the SEA Games is sanctioned by the IWF, hindi sila magko-competes.”

Agustin added: “Sa nakaraang World Weightlifting Championship na ginawa sa bansa nila, wala silang isinali na atleta. Talagang sa pag-organize lang ng event yung ginawa nila and walang athletes.”

In reports early this year, eight weightlifters from Thailand tested positive during last year’s World Championships, two of them reigning Olympic champions.

Under the IWF rules, any nation with three or more positives in a calendar year faces a ban of up to four years, The federation has previously suspended nine countries for repeated doping offences.

With no Thai athlete in weightlifting, Agustin said this is an opportunity for the Philippines to vie for the gold medal, with Indonesia and Vietnam as possible rivals for the top spot.

“Totoo na mabigat ang laban (if Thailand is there), pero dahil wala sila, lumaki yung chance to win ng mga atleta natin, especially in the women’s category. Ang magiging kalaban natin Indonesia and Vietnam,” said Agustin.

Rio Olympics silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz said that even without Thailand, it’s no assurance that it’s a clear path towards the gold medal. She said they still have to work hard and double their effort to win.

“Malalakas din yung ibang mga makakalaban sa SEA Games, maski na wala ang Thailand. Pero kung talagang pagta-trabahuhan namin, andun yung focus, malaki ang chance na manalo,” said Diaz.

The country will host the SEA Games for the fourth time in history, and first since the 2005 meet. The regional sports event is set Nov. 30 to Dec. 11 in various venues in Metro Manila and in the province.

Source: Manila Bulletin