Players educated thoroughly about doping rules: PSF

KARACHI: Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) has informed its team about doping regulations ahead of its participation in the 18th Asian Squash Team Championships to be held in Chinese Taipei from May 11–15.

“The team members have been briefed about doping through lectures. They were also informed about byelaws and other latest WADA regulations,” said PSF secretary Amir Nawaz while talking to ‘The News’.

Pakistan’s top squash player Nasir Iqbal tested positive for doping and his case is being pursued by PSF at WSF. “This is a player’s individual act and no organisation can be blamed for this mishap,” said Amir.

“We are very cautious and have made our players fully aware that according to new WADA regulation players will be held accountable for any drug even found in their bags or personal baggage. 

“They are players of our national academy so they are better aware of doping issues and how to stay clean. We hope no such incident will happen,” said the secretary.

According to the championship handbook, dope testing may be carried out in accordance with ASF Championship Regulations during the championship and all players are required to sign a doping declaration as part of the accreditation process.

“All players will be required to complete a form acknowledging the Doping Rules prior to competing in the championships,” states the book.

The Doping Declaration form for the championship reads: “I, the undersigned, hereby declare that I am aware of the Doping Regulations and procedures as set out in Section E of the ASF Championship Regulations.

“I accept that I may be dope tested under these regulations at any stage of the 18th Asian Squash Team Championships 2016 and subject to the penalties set out by the WSF and ASF regulations if the test(s) prove positive.”

Pakistan will be represented by Farhan Zaman, Farhan Mehboob, Tayyab Aslam, and Israr Ahmed.  Faheem Gul and Amir Nawaz will accompany the team as coach and manager, respectively.

The team will leave on May 8. All matches will be played at the National Taiwan University, Taiwan. The Centre has four singles courts one of which is a glass court.