Doping scandal has rocked the ongoing Commonwealth Games which is being held in Birmingham from July 28. A Ghanaian pugilist Shakul Samed tested positive for a banned masking agent, named Furosemide, on Day one of the competition. Shakul bore the brunt and has been suspended by the CWG organisers with immediate effect.
Furosemide is a medicine used to treat fluid retention in a person with a kidney disorder, heart failure and liver disease. It can either be taken through an injection or through the mouth. The medicine is also used to treat patients with high blood pressure.
"His A sample was found to contain a prohibited substance (diuretic and masking agent – Furosemide). He has therefore been suspended with immediate effect. He and the Ghana Commonwealth Games Association have been informed," CWG said in a statement.
"He will now have the opportunity to provide further information, including requesting analysis of his B sample, before any charge is issued."
Samed, who had participated at the Tokyo Olympics last year, was scheduled to take on Mauritius' Luc Jean Rosalba on Friday but after he didn't show up at weigh-in, his opponent won via a walkover.
The Commonwealth Games Federation said it has "a zero tolerance policy to doping in sport.
"We seek to maintain the integrity of the Commonwealth Games by running a comprehensive anti-doping programme that focuses equally on education, prevention and testing."
Meanwhile, talking about Indian boxer's medal prospect at the CWG 2022, the ace Indian boxer Shiva Thapa began his campaign on a rousing note by defeating Pakistan’s Suleman Baloch in the first round of the 63.5kg category, in Birmingham on Friday.
The 28-year-old Thapa hardly broke a sweat as he registered a comprehensive 5-0 win over Baloch to move to the pre-quarterfinals of the light welterweight.
Thapa, a five-time Asian Championship medallist, was technically far superior to Baloch and landed a flurry of sharp punches on his opponent.
The former world championship bronze medallist also defended well as he danced around the ring with ease. At one point, Baloch lunged forward to punch the Indian but Thapa effortlessly moved out of the way as the Pakistan boxer fell on the canvas.
Also, World champion Nikhat Zareen and reigning Olympic bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain have been handed a relatively easy opening round draws in the women's boxing competition of the Commonwealth Games.
