Sports Minister Vows Strong Action Against Doping
Jakarta. Sports Minister Imam Nahrawi says doping in high-performance sports will not be tolerated and called for firm action against any athletes found guilty of taking banned performance-enhancing substances.
The minister made the remark in response to a recent announcement by the organizing committee of the 19th National Sports Week (PON XIX) that 14 athletes had failed random drug tests.
Imam said the case will be prudently investigated and that the ministry will impose harsh punishments on those found guilty.
"I guarantee this case [PON XIX doping scandal] will be managed with seriousness, as the number of athletes found guilty of doping has risen from seven in 2012 to 14 in 2016," he said on Wednesday (11/01).
"However, it will be carefully investigated as it is also about their careers," the minister said in response to a question about the likelihood of lifetime bans.
He said lifetime bans for doping were being considered.
"Doping in sports is a serious issue, but the judicial process should also be fair and prudent," he said.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports has asked the Indonesia Anti-Doping Agency (LADI) to investigate the matter and to establish a better prevention program.
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