Thailand, Malaysian lifters banned

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines will have two rivals less to worry about when the Tokyo Olympics is held next year as the International Member Federation Sanctions Panel recently banned the weightlifters from Thailand and Malaysia from participating for multiple doping offenses.

Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas president Monico Puentevella said the IMFSP slapped a two-year ban on the Thais, while the Malaysians are barred from participating for one year. Both sanctions were approved by the International Weightlifting Federation.

The ban covers the two countries’ stint in the 2021 SEA Games in Hanoi, Vietnam.