KARACHI, May 30: The Sports Medicine Association of Pakistan (SMAP) has demanded of all the sports federations of the country to make doping mandatory in national championships for avoiding controversies at the international level.

Dr Pervez Rezvey, Secretary General SMAP, stated this while addressing a joint press conference with Dr Wajahat Hussain and Dr Ucksy at a local hotel here on Thursday.

Dr Rezvey expressed his disappointment and dismay over the lack of interest shown by the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA), national sports bodies and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in introducing proper doping system.

He said because of the lack of introduction at the lower level and specially at national championships, Pakistan faced trauma and controversies at the highest level, tarnishing the image of Pakistan sports.

He said father of sports medicine in Pakistan – late Dr Nishat Malik –launched the SMAP in 1989 in order to educate sports persons, the importance of sporting medicine.

He emphasised that because of the vision of Dr Malik he helped thwarting doping controversies in his life time and created an awareness regarding sports medicine science.

Dr Rezvey further said that the PCB never approached the SMAP or sought its help after their President Dr Danish Zaheer gave the vote of dissent during the doping controversy involving Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif in 2006.

However, he added, the SMAP was ready to extend all the assistance and support to the PCB if they need in this regard.

Responding to a question, he said normally no official announcement for carrying out doping is made and it is done on random basis during national and international sports contests.

Dr Wajahat said it was imperative to introduce sports medicine and doping from the lower level to establish its importance.

He said use of performance-enhancing drugs is a big menace in international sports, adding that the association is working hard for its prevention at national and international level with the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA).

He said for this purpose the SMAP a one-day symposium titled “Clinical Assessment and Management of Sports Injuries” will be held at a local hotel on June 3, where around 100 delegates of Sindh have been invited.—APP