NEW DELHI — The Indian Weightlifting Federation has provisionally suspended 21 athletes after they tested positive for banned substances. The weightlifters tested positive in different domestic meets as well as out-of-competition tests this year. Among those suspended is female weightlifter Suneeta Rani, a Commonwealth Games gold medalist at Melbourne in 2006. IWF vice-president Sahdev Yadav said in a statement that this was “one of the biggest catches in recent times.” According to World Anti-Doping Agency rules, first-time offenders face the prospect of being banned for four years. — AP
