KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 ― Two National archers were let off with a slap on the wrist by the National Archery Association of Malaysia (NAAM) despite failing a dope test during the Sukma in Sarawak.

The unnamed duo were handed six months and eight months suspensions by the NAAM Disciplinary Committee which was chaired by Ibrahim Harun and attended by six others including a representative from the Anti-Doping Agency of Malaysia (Adamas).

NAAM acting honorary secretary Maj (R) Amir Suharman Adnan said though the punishment period may seem short, it was still in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Agency’s regulations while other cases were studied before the decision was made.

"Furthermore, the substance used (sibutamin) does not directly enhance the performance of the athletes. Normally the four-year suspension is for those who knew what they were taking or consuming.

"In this case the athlete was not aware of what was consumed. Therefore, the maximum for such offence is two years. They are young athletes who lacked experience,” he told reporters after the meeting at the National Sports Council complex in Taman Keramat, here today.

However, despite the reasons given by NAAM, the six and eight months suspension is certain to draw criticism from the sports fraternity in the country, especially so, when Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin had questioned the two-year suspension handed out to weightlifters Constantine Clement and Mohd Nasir Roslan by the Weightlifting Federation of Malaysia (PABM).

Khairy had questioned PABM’s suspension since the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) mandatory ban for such an offence is four years.

According to the NAAM disciplinary committee, the six and eight-month suspensions were handed out after listening to the verbal and written explanations from the representatives of the two athletes.

Both athletes would be barred from taking part in any local or international competitions during the suspension period.

Amir Suharman said a number of factors, including their age, lack of experience, exposure and their decision to not dispute the results, were taken into consideration before the suspension was decided.

"Both admitted their mistake and did not want to test the B sample. We will send a letter to the athletes, the National Sports Council and Adamas,” he said.

"The athletes will be allowed to appeal...the appeal must be submitted within a month. We cannot reveal the names of the athletes yet,” he said adding that a decision on whether their medals won during the Sukma would be withdrawn or not, would be decided by the Sukma secretariat.

On Sept 26, Adamas chief Nishel Kumar revealed that four athletes who had won medals at the Sukma hosted by Sarawak in July, had failed dope tests conducted by Adamas.

The four comprise two from archery, one each from weightlifting (anabolic steroids) and boxing (diuretics).

Meanwhile, assistance manager for the Kedah archery squad that competed in the Sukma, Asri Ghazali said the association would accept the outcome but questioned the role of the authorities when the state athletes are in training.  

"They are National athletes and studying in the Bukit Jalil Sports School (SSBJ). They only joined the Sukma squad’s centralised camp for three days. I feel those responsible for their national training should have briefed them. The state association should be blamed,” he said. ― Bernama