Jani’s statement expected tomorrow

By Harry Jayachandra

“We are waiting for a statement. After that only a decision can be taken” Dr. Geethanjana Mendis – the head of the Sports Medecine Unit of the Ministry of Sports told The Sunday Times when asked about Jani Chathurangi. Earlier in the week the Silver Medalist in the 200 metres at the SAF Games, had tested positive for banned drug. Chathurangi was also part of the Lankan Womens team that won the Gold Medal in the 4x200 metres relay.

Jani Chathurangi

The hearing was held on Thursday. Chathurangi had come with a medical certificate stating that she was ill. As a result the hearing has been rescheduled for tomorrow. According to Dr. Mendis the application for a ‘B’ sample has already been sent to the sprinter. But no action can be taken until after the first hearing.

National Coach Derwin Perera said that he could not comment as Chathurangi has not stated anything. National Olympic Committee Chairman Hemasiri Fernando said much the same thing.

Along with Chathurangi two Pakistani boxers were also found to have taken a banned substance. Informed sources told The Sunday Times that the chances of exoneration for either of the three were very slim. As a result the source pointed out though Sri Lanla would lose a gold/ silver medal, the hosts would be awarded two gold medals as both Pakistani boxers fought Lankan opponents in their respective finals.