‘Cheau Xuen has no intention to use sibutramine’

Seremban: “I will appeal as soon as possible to the International Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) as in the case of Tai Cheau Xuen, we found he had no intention to use it and it is different with a few other cases before,” said the head of the national contingent to the Asian Games Incheon Datuk Danyal Balagopal Abdullah.He was commenting on the possibility of national wushu athlete, Tai Cheau Xuen suspension imposed following a failed doping test at the Asian Games in South Korea last month.

He said Malaysia would make early appeal to WADA’s that yet to make a decision on the case.

“Usually athletes who failed doping test will face a two-year suspension in addition to medals won was withdrawn, but as Chef de Mission Asian Games, I would appeal to WADA as soon as possible.

“She (Cheau Xuen) shall not be considered a fraud in this matter because he has no intention and is different in some other cases, even the honest athlete is also seen in his dedication to lead to winning the gold medal.

“I have reasonable grounds for an appeal and a strong start to WADA. We do not want to fight back against the rules that have been defined as conformity to law existing doping test, but the authorities should be able to provide flexibility in decision-making on the athlete involved, “he said.

Cheau Xuen, 23, Negeri Sembilan-born athletes tested positive for banned substance sibutramine type after winning the gold medal in the combined nanquan and Nandao women in the Asian Games, 20 September.

According to Danyal, the appeal is supported by Wushu Federation of Malaysia (WFM) to ensure that the interest and commitment of the athletes involved in the sport are not affected.

Source: Harian Metro