The disqualification of the Australia national team from the Kabaddi “World Cup” in India, following multiple drug tests failures, has created turmoil in the tournament.
Located in the northern state of Punjab, the event has gathered 14 teams from around the globe to compete in the well-known and physically demanding South Asian sport, which combines elements of tag and wrestling.
Since its commencement on November 1, the “World Cup” – which lacks official recognition due to the absence of an international governing body for the sport – has been plagued by several drug controversies.
Five players from Australia tested positive for doping, and two more declined to provide urine samples, resulting in the nation being unable to compete in their scheduled match against Afghanistan on Saturday.
“Five of Australia’s players tested positive in anti-dope tests, while two evaded, possibly due to the dread of such tests,” said organizing secretary Pargat Singh in a statement to AFP.
“Australia couldn’t field the required eight players, leading to a disqualification from a group stage match. They are out of the tournament.”
Consequently, Afghanistan was granted a walkover victory for the match.
So far, 29 players from various teams in the tournament have tested positive for prohibited substances, including competitors from Canada, Britain, Norway, Spain, and India.
According to the Times of India, a member of the United States team, Manjinder Singh, allegedly attempted to replace his urine samples with water and verbally abused National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) officials upon being caught.
by Buford Balony
