Three causes of doping among athletes - M. Jegathesan

As the number of Malaysian athletes caught for doping is increasing over the past years, there are three situations which can lead an athlete into doping, explained former sprinter Tan Sri Dr M. Jegathesan.

Dr Jegathesan, who is the chairman of both the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Medical Committee and Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Medical Commission, said doping is not just Malaysia's problem, but an international problem.

"We naturally try our best to ensure our athletes are not involved in doping. Athletes might get involved in three ways, firstly they are ignorant and make a mistake. Secondly, they are victims and somebody gives it to them.

"Lastly, they took it purposely...So far from what we have been seen, a lot of Malaysian cases fall in the first two categories," he told reporters.

Dr Jegathesan, also known as the 'Flying Doctor' for bagging gold medals in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m men's relay at the 1966 Bangkok Asian Games, was asked to comment on the doping scandals hitting the national sports arena.

The latest in the list is bodybuilder Sazali Samad, who has been widely alleged to have failed a dope test.

The 47-year-old Sazali, winner of 10 Mr Universe and nine Mr Asia titles, attended a hearing on the doping issue held by the Malaysian Body Building Federation’s (MBBF) disciplinary committee at the Desa Tasik Sports Complex in Sungai Besi on Wednesday.

READ: Sazali to clarify issue of alleged failed dope test next week

Previously, it was former World number one shuttler Datuk Lee Chong Wei, who tested positive for dexamethasone and was suspended for eight months by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) for the violation during the 2014 World Championships.

Other Malaysian athletes whose names are in the list are Wushu exponent Tai Cheau Xuen, track cyclist Mohd Shah Firdaus Sahrom, weightlifters Mohd Azril Huzairi Ramli and Jelinie Empera.

To avoid further hiccups, Dr Jegathesan said he hoped that the Anti-doping Agency of Malaysia (Adamas) as well as sports association and bodies educate and counsel athletes from time to time to stay out of doping violations.