Africa-Press – South-Sudan. South Sudan will soon enact anti-doping rules to align with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regulations, the national ministry of sports has assured.
Albino Bol said the country will soon ratify the long-awaited anti-doping convention into law in compliance with stringent requirements by the world anti-doping regulators.
“South Sudan is just a step away from being a member of WADA. As a council of ministers, we have taken steps by approving the document. The only step remaining is for parliament to pass it and the president to put his signature on it,” Albino said when he welcomed the south Sudanese athletes who recently took part in the just concluded East Africa Youth Championships in Tanzania.
South Sudan won three medals, the biggest medal haul in the history of athletics in the country, from a single championship. Sabrina Ukel won silver (200m) while James Dok Maper took bronze in the 400m. South Sudan also won a bronze in the men’s 4 x 100m.
He stated that the government is concerned about anti-doping, a global menace bedeviling the game as World Athletics reign in with punitive measures to curb the vice.
Albino at the same time warned local athletes against using banned substances, advising that every athlete should strictly adhere to anti-doping rules and regulations, to avoid falling into the trap.
“As a sportsperson, you must avoid drug abuse, and it is critical that you understand that the use of drugs in sports is strictly prohibited. Whichever [event] you take part in, you will be required to have your sample [taken] before entering the pitch.
“Any sign of drugs returning positive in your blood will result in an investigation and a ban from the competition as well as life, which means you have slandered your country and lowered its flag,” he lamented.
While Albino remained hopeful that the vital document would soon be assented to by the president, the lengthy recess by the parliament could delay the process.
Source: The City Review South Sudan
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