Meinya demands probe on exclusion of Monika from Olympic squad

New Delhi, Aug 7 (UNI) Dr Thokchom Meinya, a Member of Parliament from Manipur, has demanded a probe from the Sports Ministry into the exclusion of weightlifter L Monika Devi, who tested positive in a pre-Games dope test, from the Indian Olympic squad..

In a letter written to Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports M S Gill here yesterday, he said a probe should be conducted into the matter.

Dr Meinya said a white paper should be put on the table on this episode, on the grounds that she tested positive in a dope test.

The controversial lifter was selected amid controversy after the original choice, Shailaja Pujari, who was dropped following a cash-for-selection scandal.

He described the episode as ''very unfortunate '' and said it was a humiliation to the sports fraternity.

Dr Meinya said the controversial lifter was selected after two trials in Pune and Bangalore and even the selection of her coach had courted controversy. It was the intervention of the Member of Parliament to the Ministry of Sports which made Anita Chanu her coach.

In fact, a last-minute withdrawal of Monika Devi from the Indian contingent seemed to be a pre-plan motive, Dr Meinya alleged.

UNI BKS GT GC1551