Doping scandal rocks Paralympics

Last updated: Tuesday, September 09, 2008 Print The Beijing Paralympics were rocked by a doping controversy Tuesday with Pakistani power lifter Naveed Ahmed Butt, 37 given a two-year ban for steroid use.

He tested positive for the steroid methandienone metabolites on September 4, two days before the opening ceremony, the International Paralympic Committee said.

"In accordance with the IPC anti-doping code, and after a hearing of the IPC anti-doping committee, the IPC ratified the decision to disqualify Butt," the committee said in a statement, adding that a two-year ban had been imposed.

IPC medical and scientific director Peter Van de Vliet told reporters that despite the disappointment of a positive test, the incident highlighted the committee's efforts to run fair Games.

A total of 297 tests have been carried out at the Games, both in and out of competition, according to IPC figures until the end of Sunday. At the Athens Games in 2004, 680 doping tests were conducted, resulting in 10 anti-doping rule violations, according to the IPC. – (Sapa, September 2008)

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