Delhi's WADA-approved, anti-doping lab ready for Games

New Delhi, March 11 : Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) president Mike Fennell Thursday said that anti-doping procedures during the 2010 Games in Delhi would be all the more stringent thanks to the recent World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) approval of the testing lab here.

"We are very pleased that WADA has approved the anti-doping lab in Delhi... It is one of 35 anti-doping labs approved by WADA," he told reporters at a press conference here.

Fennell said the National Dope Testing Laboratory at Lodhi Road's CGO complex in south Delhi would be fully operational during the Games to be held Oct 3-14.

"It (the lab) will have full operations during the course of the Games. This is a big plus for us as there aren't many cities in the world that enjoy having an approved anti-doping lab and this is something that's very good for the Games," he said.

Fennell also said that the ongoing Chefs De Mission seminar had a special segment on anti-doping measures which were discussed with representatives from 71 participating countries.

The Chefs De Mission were given training in sample collection and results management procedures. Anti-doping manuals have been circulated to them and to the athletes' coaches.

"For the Games, the CGF will be responsible for anti-doping operations. Outside the games it is the responsibility of national and international federations. The period under which it comes under our purview is from Sep 23 to Oct 14. Sep 23 being the opening day of the (Games) Village. So that's when athletes come here and come under our purview and property of the CGF and our anti-doping procedures," Fennell said.

The Games Village along the bank of the Yamuna river will accommodate 8,000 athletes and team officials.

"We want to ensure our Games are free of any doping and checks will be done very seriously and regularly," Fennell added.