I believe Ashwini, but OGQ suspension stands: Rasquinha

Star Indian athlete Ashwini Akkunji, whose 'A' samples tested positive for methandienone on Monday, was yesterday temporarily suspended from Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ).

Akkunjiu00a0 won the 400m hurdles in the 2010 Asian Games and was a member of the victorious 4x400m relay team in the Commonwealth Games Delhi.u00a0OGQ had recently takenu00a0 the Karnataka hurdler under its wings to support her expenses related to training and nutrition.

"We have strict anti-doping policy, which is also mentioned in their contract clause. If 'A' sample is tested positive then we provisionally suspend the athlete, which has happened in Ashwini's case.

"If the 'B' sample also tests positive then we have no choice but to suspend the athlete," OGQ chief executive Viren Rasquinha told MiD DAY.

However, Rasquinha, in his personal capacity has extended full support to the beleaguered athlete. "In my personal capacity I will help her get over this turbulent phase. They (athletes) are completely shattered. We have to educate the country's athletes first and foremost and ensure this is not repeated.

"I agree that Ashwini has tested positive and she has to face the punishment.

"But I feel this issue can be done with much more dignity and sensitivity because when they won everybody was jumping the bandwagon. I am appalled by the way people are reacting.u00a0 Ashwini has said that she was only followingu00a0 instructions.

"I am inclined to believe her. But the fact of the matter is that ignorance is not a valid excuse. I'm hoping her career does not end and they (the officials) take into consideration that this is her first doping offence. There are other people involved in this too.

"We have to get to the root of the problem and interrogate coaches, Sports Authority of India doctors whose instruction the athletes were following," the former India hockey skipper said.

Eight Indian athletes have tested positive so far. They include three members of the women's 4x400m relay team that won gold at last year's CWG and Asian Games.