Bulgarian weightlifters banned from Rio 2016 over widespread doping

Bulgaria's weightlifters have been banned from next year's Olympic at Rio de Janeiro following a high number of doping cases among the athletes.

Confirming the news, the International Weightlifting Federation said that Bulgaria have not been found eligible to participate in the prestigious event as per the special anti-doping policy for Rio 2016, the Guardian reported.

Earlier in March, eight male lifters, including three European champions and three female athletes were found positive for the banned drug.

The development came soon after an independent anti-doping commission set up by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) demanded the suspension of Russia athletics federation after alleging state-sponsored doping, which involves destroying samples and intimidating laboratory staff.

Earlier, Bulgaria's reputation had been severely tarnished during the 2000 Sydney Olympics when the team were sent back home without their three gold medals after tested positive in drug tests.