The Hockey Association of Malawi (HAM) has incorporated anti-doping rules in its constitution.
During an annual general meeting (AGM) at Sunbird Mount Soche on Sunday, HAM executive members and club representatives agreed that starting from July this year, hockey players should be checked for performance-enhancing drugs before games.
HAM vice-president Dean Pinto said they would like to comply with the Sports Council and Malawi Olympic Committee (MOC) anti-doping rules and regulations that are in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) code.
He said alcohol and any other substances and practices locally known to have negative effect on the health of an athlete, whether immediate or later in life, shall be punishable as a drug offence and individuals or teams involved shall be disciplined.
“Umpires or judges will have power to remove from the field any player noted to be engaged in this malpractice,” said Pinto.
Guest of honour at the AGM, Sports Council’s executive secretary George Jana asked other sports bodies in the country to emulate HAM’s gesture. He also advised athletes to avoid using drugs in sports if they are to rise in their careers.
“Nowadays, drug tests are a priority at any competition internationally and local athletes need to get used to this practice at the domestic competition level,” said Jana.
