Claiming that the reduction in the weightlifters' ban was due to her persistent struggle, Pratima Kumari slammed the Indian weightlifting Federation, saying it does not have enough courage to openly announce the lifting of the life ban on the dope-tainted lifters.
"If they called a press conference to announce the life bans on us they should announce the reprieve also before the press. Why are they quietly sending us the letters?" Pratima asked.
"It was my persistent struggle for justice because of which today they had to reconsider their decision. I am happy that it did some good to the other lifters also," she added, referring to the IWF decision to reduce her, Sanamacha Chanu's and S Sunaina's life-bans to two-year suspensions.
When told that the decision could be changed as the IWF is planning to place her and Chanu's case before its executive committee since they were caught for a second doping offense, the lifter said the allegation is completely untrue.
"I have never been caught for doping earlier. In 1996, which was my first competition, they tested me for banned drugs but I returned a negative test.
"Since I have filed a case in court they (IWF) is against me," Pratima alleged.
Pratima had filed a case holding the coaches responsible for her testing positive at Athens. She also appealed to the International Weightlifting Federation to hear her case and allow her to prove her innocence.
