3 Pakistani medallists from SAF Games 2019 fail dope tests

Pakistan had won 132 medals, including 32 gold during the 2019 South Asian Games, held in Nepal.

Karachi: Pakistan's 2019 South Asian Games medallists have failed the dope test and are facing bans up to four years, sources said on Monday.

According to a reliable source in the Pakistan Amateur Athletics Federation, Mohammed Naeem (110m hurdles) and Mehboob Ali (400m) who had won gold medals and Sami Ullah (100m) the bronze medal winner, have failed the dope test.

“We have just received an initial notice, and we can confirm the three names but since this is an initial notice the names are being kept confidential,” a source within the athletics federation said. “We will respond to the notice soon and then action will be taken as per rules and regulations.”

Pakistani athletes at SAF Games 2019

The source added that the due process under WADA laws will be followed and the athletes will be given a fair chance to clear themselves.

"If they fail to do so they could face bans up to four years each depending on the circumstances," the source added.

The source said banned substances have been found in the athletes' samples.

The South Asian Games 2019 were held in Kathmandu between Dec 1 and 10. Pakistani athletes had won 32 gold, 41 silver and 59 bronze medals at the event.

With 31 gold, the national contingent had finished fourth on the medal table behind leaders India (174), hosts Nepal (51) and Sri Lanka (40).