Countries with 10-19 doping violations over that same period will be limited to two men and two women in Tokyo. There could be further sanctions, including being banned from the Olympics, or more nations penalised if there are further doping violations before the Olympic qualifying period ends in April 2020, the IWF said. “This is a monumental step forward for weightlifting and for athletes around the world,” USA Weightlifting chief executive Phil Andrews told Reuters. The sport’s place on the Olympic schedule beyond 2020 depends on its ability to improve its doping record. Collectively Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Belarus and Armenia have had more than 130 doping violations since 2008, with several cases still outstanding according to the IWF’s website.

Source: Hindustan Times April 12, 2018 18:00 UTC