Seema refuses to compete in Doha despite AFI clearance

New Delhi, Dec 8 (UNI) Seema Antil maintained she has not consumed any performance-enhancing drug but refused to compete in the ongoing Asian Games despite being cleared by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI).

In her letter to the AFI, the discus thrower said she had been under tremendous stress over the last fortnight because of her father's ailment and also alleged that she was the victim of a slandering campaign.

''Considering my recent performance, I'm not in a position to give my best in Doha and so I request you to exempt me from taking part in the Asian Games,'' the thrower wrote in Hindi.

She thanked the AFI for clearing hear and said, ''I repeat to you what I have told the AFI hearing panel that I have not taken any banned substance, for I'm well aware of the consequences.'' Earlier today, AFI exonerated Seema of doping charges and said the ''innocent'' thrower would compete in the ongoing Asian Games in Doha.

AFI secretary Lalit Bhanot said in a release that the federation had constituted a hearing panel to probe into the matter, as per the IAAF and federation rules.

Based on the subsequent test carried out in the laboratory, including the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) lab in Bangkok, the panel deliberated over the matter at length.

''The hearing panel is of the view that Ms Seema Antil has not violated any rules and she is innocent. The charges against her due to the conduct should be dropped.

''On the basis of the factual circumstances, AFI considered it appropriate that Ms Seema Antil should be allowed to participate in her event in the ongoing Asian Games in Doha,'' Mr Bhanot said.

UNI AY PM RAI2008