Semini Alwis
A Sri Lankan netball player, Semini Alwis, has been accused of drug doping during training in preparation for the Asian Netball Championship.
The Sri Lanka Anti-Doping Agency made the detection after conducting random tests on netball players and furnished the medical report to the governing body of the sport.
Alwis has now been suspended until further investigations are done.
Two female players in the squad were randomly referred to the test and the report showed that anabolic steroids were present in the urine sample taken from Alwis.
This steroid is a banned ingredient that helps in the growth of muscles.
The report was released by the medical laboratory in Qatar where the tests were carried out.
When asked about her failed drugs test, Alwis had claimed it could have been caused by a medicine taken during an illness.
She has now been directed to appear before the National Disciplinary Committee on May 14 to present her case.
“If a player in any squad takes medicine for an illness, the sports medicine unit must be notified,” said Dr. Shiromi Pilapitiya the head of the Anti-Doping Agency.
Her case marks the first time that a netball player has come under positive dope testing although the scourge is associated in Sri Lanka with cricket, rugby and athletics.
Sri Lanka won the Asia Cup in 2022 and the players are now preparing for the next edition. (TBR)
