'Fancy Bears', a Russian hackers group, has claimed that it has uncovered files which showed that several American athletes, including Venus and her younger sister Serena Williams were allowed to take banned substances by the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA) under the TUEs procedure.
Sania and Rohan Bopanna had lost their mixed doubles semifinals in the Rio Olympics to American combo of Venus and Rajeev Ram, who ended up as silver medallists.
According to sources, Sania's mother Naseema had called up AITA Life President and ITF Vice President Anil Khanna this morning asking him to look into matter.
"She informed that Williams sisters have failed WADA dope test and we should take it up with the IOA and IOC," a source said.
It has also been learnt that even Ashok Kumar, who is from AITA affiliated unit of Telangana has requested AITA to take up the matter.
"Based on just some news we can't make a claim, the process has to be followed. We need to approach IOA, IOA will then take it up to IOC because the Olympics is their purview. We can't jump the gun," the office-bearer told PTI.
He cited the example of Russian diva Maria Sharapova, who was recently banned for using banned meldonium.
"Something has surfaced. Someone is going to establish the truth, till the truth is established we can't make a claim. We will have to wait. Whatever needs to be done, we will do it. We are waiting for actual facts to be revealed officially. Like it happened with Sharapova. In this case it is just a news," he said.
According to documents released by the Fancy Bears hackers' team, Venus was allowed to take prednisone, prednisolone and triamcinolone, among others, in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013.
Under WADA Rules, athletes may take substances for which they will procure a Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUE) -- waivers that allow them to treat medical conditions with medications that may appear on WADA's prohibited items list.
It has also been reported that ITF has confirmed that the Williams sisters had permission for the therapeutic use of banned drugs. ITF has also come out in favour of the Williams sisters.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
