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Xaviers, sports circles upset over 'positive' report

D Jose

Mystery shrouds reports emanating from Kathmandu and Delhi that swimmer Sebastian Xavier tested positive for a banned substance during the recent South Asian Federation Games. While Xavier claims that he was not at all subjected to any tests in Kathmandu, news reports said his urine samples, tested in a laboratory in Kaula Lumpur, tested positive for banned steroids.

The reports, which appeared in the media on Friday, have evoked shock and dismay in the sports circles in Kerala. Sports persons and sports administrators in Kerala suspect a conspiracy behind the muddle.

Normally, preliminary test reports of a dope test are not released to the press without a second test confirming the findings. Indeed, after confirmation of the second test, the Indian Olympic Association and Xavier should have been intimated first. But he was informed of his so-called involvement through a correspondent, from a news agency in New Delhi, who called to get his reactions.

How Xavier was named is a mystery. The ace swimmer said he was shocked when the news agency correspondent called him and sought his reaction. He told the Rediff.com that the officials with the Indian contingent were fully aware of the fact that he was not called for any test.

"I was subjected to a test before we left for Nepal and it showed negative. Two, who were found to be positive, were denied participation in the Games," he added.

Xavier said he has never taken any drugs or stimulants in his long career as a swimmer. "My achievements have been the result of sheer hard work. The report about my involvement in the case has totally shattered me and my family members," he added.

Asked if there was any conspiracy behind the whole affair, Xavier, who had recently questioned the criteria for deciding the Arjuna award, said he could not say anything at the moment. "I have already informed the Swimming Federation of India officials about the true position. It is up to them to find out how an innocent man was maligned like this."

Xavier's father, Manamel Xavier, said he could not believe the report. "Xavier is a sportsman who has shown exemplary sportsman spirit inside and outside the pool. I know him better than anyone else. He would not take any drugs or stimulants. He has won all the medals through hard work," he said, demanding a high level inquiry into the muddle.

He said his son is totally dejected since being overlooked for the Arjuna award, and has written letters to President K R Narayanan and Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee out of total disappointment. He wondered how a swimmer who had bagged only 17 gold medals could be considered for the coveted award, when his son had bagged as many as 36 golds in the SAF Games, SAF swimming championships and Asia Pacific championships.

"Bhanu Sachdev, who got the award, has already retired; Sebastian is daring the pools even at 33," he declared.

The senior Xavier disclosed that his son has not been showing the same old interest in the sport ever since he was overlooked for the Arjuna award. "Sebastian used to compete in five to eight events in championships, but this time had taken part only in one event. He also skipped the Railways meet."

A noted Malayalam sports columnist termed the controversy as part of a well-planned conspiracy to crucify Xavier for questioning the Arjuna awards selection procedure. He said the case reinforces the fact that those without political influence will not get any recognition in this country, and urged the Kerala government to take the initiative to find out how Xavier's name was dragged into the whole affair.

Kerala Sports Council president A Balachandran expressed total dismay over the incident. He said he could not believe the reports and urged the Indian Olympic Association "to hold an inquiry to ensure that no injustice is done to an innocent sports person".