Manipur protests Monika's exclusion from Olympic squad

Imphal, Aug 7 (UNI) The dropping of weightlifter Laishram Monika Devi from Olympic squad after she was reported to have tested positive in a doping test, has snowballed into a major crisis as the weight lifting association and the Chief Minister today expressed doubt over the whole process.

'' Nothing can be done if the result is positive. However, if foul play is suspected then a fresh test should be conducted,'' Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh said.

Sunil Elangbam, Secretary, Manipur Weightlifting Association has also left for New Delhi to discuss the matter.

Meanwhile, Thokchom Meinya, MP from Manipur, has written to Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports (Independent charge) M S Gill demanding a thorough probe and white paper on the whole issue.

''It is a humiliation to the sports fraternity,'' he said adding, Monika was selected after trials in Pune and Bangalore.

Monika herself had stated that she was suspecting a foul play.

''I could have been shot dead if I had taken the banned substance,'' she said.

Meanwhile, large number of sportspersons and people from Monika's locality, Potsangbam Nachou in Bishenpur district, took out a rally today and tried to enter the Chief Minister's official residence.

Police used tear gas shells to stop them.

They demanded a fresh test by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), Montreal, Canada.

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