Chances of India escaping a ban slimmed further on Saturday with the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) saying it will take a “strong action” against the Indian body after six of its lifters tested positive for banned substances recently.

Calling India a repeat offender, the world body, after discussing the issue in its executive board meeting in Seoul, said a decision on the country’s fate will be taken after the dope cases, which are still under process, are closed.

“The International Weightlifting Federation executive board today discussed the issue of the several Indian positive doping cases, regarding the fact that India has repeatedly produced multiple cases in recent years,” the IWF said in a statement.

Delhi Games setback?

“On the other hand, however, the cases are still in process. The executive board shall take a very strong action against the Indian federation, once all the cases are closed. Such actions will be made public upon the closure of the last case,” it added.

The international federation’s tough stance is a setback to the Indian Olympic Association, which is hoping to avoid a ban so that the Indian weightlifters can participate in the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

As per the IWF’s rules, a national federation could be banned for up to four years if four or more lifters fail dope tests in a calendar year. India have been banned twice before — in 2002 and 2004 — for similar offences.

Last week, the entire executive committee of the national body had resigned after the IWF told the IOA to remove Indian federation’s officials. The IOA was also mulling over holding elections to the national body if it is let off only with a fine.

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