Syringe Controversy Has Dampened Indian Team's Spirit at CWG - Coach

New Delhi (Sputnik): Though the Indian contingent at the Commonwealth Games (CWG) in Australia has been cleared of any doping allegations, the squad remains under the scanner for violating the "No Needles" policy.

India's boxing coach Santiago Nieva stated that the syringe that triggered the controversy was used to administer a "vitamin substance" to an ill boxer. The team's doctor was summoned on Tuesday by the investigating committee and let off after reprimanding him for improperly disposing the syringe.

Nevertheless, the controversy did create problems for other teams participating in the international event that is set to commence on Wednesday.

After the needle was found, dope tests were conducted first on the boxers and then on each of the Indian squads as and when they arrived in batches by the Commonwealth Games Federation Medical Commission. One of the coaches accompanying the Indian squad told the Times of India that the incident has dampened the spirits of Indian players, which could reflect on their performance.

"[The Indian] Athletes wanted to rest in their rooms after a long flight, but here they were asked to give their samples even before settling down properly. It's not only harsh on these athletes, but embarrassing as well. Just because of the fault of some athlete [boxer], the entire contingent is being looked upon with suspicion," said a coach to Indian newspaper Times of India. His name was not published in the newspaper. 

The policy prescribes that all syringes must be stored only at a centralized place and access will be granted only to medically qualified practitioners of the commonwealth games association (CGA) delegation for treatment of illness, injury or other medical condition for which a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) must be obtained. 

"It is surprising as well as distressing that athletes representing the country at such prestigious events are not made aware of the strict rules in force. India was in line to put up its best-ever show at this year's games and now the controversy will take its toll on the performance of the athletes. It also defies belief how a seasoned boxer could jeopardize his chances as well as perhaps his career by taking such a huge risk and then throwing the syringe outside his own room," said Sunil Garodia, a senior Indian writer with the India Commentary portal.

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It's pertinent to mention here that ASADA had entered into an agreement with India's National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) last year to share the whereabouts of athletes as part of their pre-CWG anti-doping operation. 

The ASADA team had reportedly collected urine samples from Indian Greco-Roman wrestlers participating at the Asian Championships in New Delhi in May last year and had even visited Patiala's National Institute of Sport (NIS) to collect samples of CWG aspirants.