Doping test: 13 Sukma athletes samples need further analysis

PUTRAJAYA (Oct 10): More than 300 athletes tested during the 2024 Malaysia Games (Sukma XXI) in Sarawak from Aug 17-24 have been confirmed negative for the use of banned substances so far, but 13 samples are undergoing further analysis.

Director of the Malaysian Anti-Doping Agency (Adamas) Azura Abidin said it has received the report from a laboratory in Doha, Qatar, which will carry out Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS) analysis.

The analysis aims to identify whether there was use of synthetic steroids by the athletes involved.

“The possibility (is that the result) will remain negative, but there is also a possibility that it could turn positive, especially in cases involving substances such as steroids. The first test may show a negative result, but if there is any abnormality in the ratio or level of an athlete’s testosterone hormone, we will request further analysis through the Biological Passport (measures biological variables over time that indirectly reveals doping).

“This (Athlete) Biological Passport helps in detecting abnormal changes in the hormone profile that may reflect the use of prohibited substances,” Azura said in an exclusive interview with Bernama today.

“We hope all the results remain negative because our target is zero doping cases for Sukma this time, in addition to giving full emphasis on anti-doping education,” she added.

She also stated that athletes in weightlifting, which is considered one of the high-risk sports, have undergone pre-competition tests to ensure they comply with the rules before competition takes place.

For the Sarawak Para Sukma which took place from Sept 20-28, she said she expected the results to be obtained in phases from next week.

Meanwhile, Azura said Adamas was happy to see the increased interest shown by the young athletes participating in Sukma this time, when more than 95 per cent of them had successfully followed and passed the Anti-Doping eLearning Platform (ADEL) module from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

“This year we encouraged all Sukma athletes to follow the ‘(ADEL for) Talented Athlete’ module (from WADA) which is specially designed for athletes at the state level who have the potential to go to a higher level. At the end of the module, those who pass the test with a score of 85 will get a certificate from WADA.

“This shows that they are sensitive and care about anti-doping education,” she said.

Azura said the country’s athletes were also asked to follow ADEL during the Hangzhou Asian Games last year and the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games to raise awareness and prevent the use of banned substances in sports, either intentionally or unintentionally, for a clean and level playing field. – Bernama