Seema Antil flunks dope test, sent back from training camp at Muscat

Doha, Dec 3 (UNI) Providence saved India from a major embarrassment in the international sporting arena after top discus thrower Seema Antil returned home without coming here after failing a dope test.

Seema tested positive for a steroid apparently in an out of competition test during a training camp at Muscat, where a part of the Indian atheltics contingent was training for the Games earlier this week.

It is learnt that the Commonwealth silver medallist has returned home from Muscat without going to Doha.

Had she been here as part of the Indian contingent, the development would have jolted the morale of the athletes and affected their performance just as the competition enters the second day today.

Meanwhile, Indian Olympic Association Secretary Randhir Singh was surprised when he was told of the news.

''I am surprised, I have no idea about Seema's positive dope test. I met WADA officials this morning and they said nothing about it,'' Randhir, who is here with the Indian contingent, told UNI.

''If that happens somewhere then that is news for me,'' he added.

The 23-year-old Haryana girl had earlier tested positive for a banned substance and was stripped of the gold medal which she won in the World Junior Chanpionship in Chile in 2000.

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