The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority is trying to glean DNA off needles found at the Commonwealth Games athletes’ village in a bid to track down who was using them.
Commonwealth Games state ministers Kate Jones said ASADA hoped to have the results of the lab tests – which will also determine the content of the syringes — later today or tomorrow.
The needles were inside a water bottle and found by cleaners on an outside path in the village. Ms Jones said that authorities were treating the discovery “very seriously’’ and were trying to have the tests conducted as quickly as possibly at an on-site games Laboratory.
“The Commonwealth Games organisation is awaiting on those test results, hopefully we will get those results today or tomorrow,’’ she said.
“We are working very closely with ASADA to ensure we have a clean games.
“They have been taken to the lab for testing to not only conclude what substance was involved but also for DNA.’’
The startling find at the weekend prompted a warning from Commonwealth Games Federation chief executive David Grevemberg, who said athletes found to have breached its strict “no needle” policy would be sanctioned.
Under the Games’ anti-doping rules, athletes are not allowed to use needles unless they have a medical exemption.
Special powers given to the CGF allow the governing body, which investigates possible anti-doping breaches in partnership with the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority, to search and seize suspected evidence found in the athletes’ village.
Indian team manager Ajay Narang said the needles were found on an outside path and denied reports they were found in the Indian team’s accommodation.
Mr Grevemberg would not elaborate on where the needles were found and said that “the element of surprise is paramount” in the ongoing investigation.
“ASADA investigators have collected evidence and took statements from medical and athlete representatives,” he said.
“The CGF medical commission will be progressing discussions regarding a possible breach.”
Mr Grevemberg said the CGF had a “zero tolerance” policy to doping.
Australian swimming team head coach Jacco Verhaeren described the find as “disappointing’’.
“This is concerning information but from our point of view we’re looking at a very clean team and hopefully a very clean Games as well,” he said.
“It would be naive to think it wouldn’t happen at all, but it’s definitely not front and centre of our minds that we’re having to deal with cheaters here.’’
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