Three female atheletes banned for doping in China
(AFP)
Updated: 2005-10-01 09:59

BEIJING (AFP) - Three Chinese women's track and field athletes have tested positive for the banned substance 19-norandrosterone and will be disqualified from China's national games.

Wang Lina and Niu Nana from Chongqing in southwest China tested positive in the out-of-competition tests on August 27, Xinhua news agency cited the state sports ministry.

Sun Hongfeng, another athlete from Liaoning province, also tested positive for the same substance on September 12, it said Friday.

According to a statement by the China State Sports General Administration, the postive tests resulted in the disqualification of both the men and women's track and field teams from Chongqing at the upcoming 10th National Games, the report said.

The games are China's mini-Olympics and will be held in Nanjing from October 12 to 23. Despite the banishment of the team, some of the athletes will be allowed to participate in the games as individuals, it said.

Other punishments will be meted out by the Chinese Track and Field Association to athletes, coaches and team officials as well as their respective organizations, the statement said.

"Doping offenses not only hurt the physical and mental health of the athletes, but also breaches the spirit of fair play," said the statement.

"The China State Sports General Administration has always adhered to the strict anti-doping policy, namely severe warning, strict testing and harsh penalties."

China has stepped up a crackdown on drug cheats among professional athletes after several high-profile doping scandals in the 1990s left its reputation in tatters.

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