Sigit's positive test shocks sports medic
JAKARTA (JP): Sports medical expert Hario Tilarso was skeptical on Thursday over allegations top badminton player Sigit Budiarto tested positive for the banned anabolic steroid nandrolone.
"It doesn't make sense. That kind of anabolic steroid doesn't fit the characteristics of badminton players who do not rely so much on speed and power as sprinters and swimmers," said Hario, a member of the doping commission in the 1996 National Games and the 1997 Southeast Asian Games.
In an unusual public statement on Tuesday, the International Badminton Federation announced that traces of the drug were detected in Sigit's "A" urine sample from the Singapore Open, which the men's doubles specialist won with Candra Wijaya in August.
Announcements of positive drug results are usually released if the "B" urine sample also indicates the presence of banned substances. The IBF conceded it took the unusual step because of widespread speculation.
The test on the "B" sample was conducted at an International Olympic Committee-sanctioned Beijing laboratory on Thursday. Dangsina Moeloek, another sports medical expert, witnessed the test on behalf of the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI).
PBSI has also named Dangsina, its official doctor Michael Triangto, its deputy chief in charge of athletes' development Mangombar Ferdinand Siregar and Justian Suhandinata, who is also vice chairman of the IBF, as it representatives at a disciplinary hearing to be held by the IBF following the test.
Hario said nandrolone was commonly used to gain weight because it builds muscles. The substance, better known as deca durabolin, was widely prescribed for underweight children in the 1970s.
He was doubtful that Sigit could have obtained the drug locally.
"As far as I know, the producer of the drug was closed a long time ago. We can no longer find it at any drugstores now."
Hario said nandrolone remained in body tissues for long periods, but was difficult to detect after the initial ingestion.
The doctor believed Sigit's explanation that he consumed nandrolone in herbal medicine he took on the eve of the Singapore Open.
Sigit said he drank the herbal medicine to gain weight at the recommendation of his masseur, who assured him the medicine was free of banned substances. A herbal medicine makers association announced on Thursday its members never incorporated banned ingredients in their products.
Hario regretted the IBF's announcement of the "A" result before the second test was conducted.
Free to play
Separately, PBSI secretary-general Leo Wiranata said Sigit was free to play in any tournaments pending the IBF decision.
"There are no rules which ban athletes who are under investigation for alleged drug abuse from competing, at least until they are proven guilty," Leo said.
An athlete can appeal a guilty verdict.
But Leo said Sigit would be unlikely to enter any tournaments before the IBF announced the result of the second urine sample.
"The longer the IBF announcement takes, the worse it will affect the player," Leo said.
Sigit and Candra, who won the 1997 World Championships, are favored prospects for one of the six gold medals targeted by the Indonesian team at the 13th Asian Games in Bangkok in December.
Meanwhile, State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Agung Laksono said people would never forget Sigit's achievements even if he was sanctioned. Sigit was a member of the Indonesian team which won the Thomas Cup world men's team championship in May. (yan)