Uttar Pradesh’s capital Lucknow is fast gaining the reputation of being one of the epicentres of doping in Indian women’s weightlifting. Kavita Devi and Inu Rani — who tested positive for anabolic steroids over the last three months — trained there at the government-run Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre of Excellence in Weightlifting for Women. In all, at least eight cases from Lucknow have been reported over the last six years — more than any city.

“Had the centre not been under SAI’s jurisdiction, the number could’ve been ever more,” said an official of the UP weightlifting association who did not wish to be named. “The samples are taken by SAI dope-testing officials, and tested in their labs. Some get reported but there is a strong feeling within the community that a lot of the cases are swept under the carpet.”

But SAI’s top officials, who have long been accused of overlooking the doping issue, decline to talk. When contacted, SAI’s deputy director SD Bakshi, who oversees the centre, did not comment.

In 2002, two years after the centre was set up, Ranu Mohanti and Thoinu Devi were the first reported cases of failed tests. Since then, it’s almost become a regular feature at domestic events.

And the biggest blow was last month when Kavita Devi, a prospective medallist at the continental Olympic qualifiers, failed a random out-of-competition test held by the World Anti-Doping Agency. She travelled to Japan for the event but was called back at the last minute.

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