Sonowal was asked whether the Indian Weightlifting Association (Federation) and such other bodies have recently suspended weightlifters and other sportspersons for testing positive for banned performance-enhancing substances.
"During the calendar year 2015, a total number 58 weightlifters have been found guilty of Anti-Doping Rule violation and the disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against them," Sonowal said.
He also informed the House that two Indian weightlifters were caught for doping in the tests conducted by International Weightlifting Federation during the Commonwealth Senior, Junior and Youth Championships held in Pune in October last year.
He was also asked about the WADA report, according to which India became the third worst dope offender in 2014. Sonowal simply stated that doping as a percentage of samples collected have largely remained unchanged in the recent years.
"Dope positive/anti-doping rule violation cases as a percentage of samples collected have largely remained unchanged in recent years. The percentage was 2.17 in 2013, 2.32 in 2014 ans 2.27 in 2015," Sonowal said in the written reply.
Sonowal said that National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), established in 2009 with an aim to promote dope free sports in the country, regularly conducted testing in-competition and out-of-competition on athletes participating in various events in the country.