By Amaechi Agbo
The Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, NWF has disclosed that in keeping with global best practices, the federation will conduct anti-doping test on the seven (7) lifters in camp in Lokoja, Kogi State ahead preparation towards the World Weightlifting Championships in Uzbekistan just as the board has perfected plans to hold seminar on anti-doping for the athletes and officials.
The Championships which will also serve as qualifying series for the 2022 Commonwealth Games will commence from 7th through 17th December this year.
A board member of the Federation who is also the Chairman of the Medical and Anti-doping committee of the Federation, Dr Steve Olarinoye while speaking in an interview said the exercise is necessary to ensure Lifters are clean before embarking on the trip for the championship.
He also added that anti-doping seminar will be arranged for the lifters in camp where experts will be invited to talk on the effects of consuming prohibited drugs on the athletes and image of the country.
The committee made the proposal and the focused President of the Federation, Dr Ibrahim Abdul approved of it.
Dr Olarinoye further noted that the step taken is based on his experience as a one-time Secretary General of the Federation when internal dope tests would be organized before major championships.
“With God on our side, the present board will ensure that weightlifting regains it’s lost glory”.
