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Ban on Rio anti-doping lab lifted

Rio's drug testing laboratory had its suspension lifted by the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) on Wednesday, clearing it to operate at the Olympics that start on Aug 5.

The doping control laboratory was suspended on June 22 due to a non-conformity with the International Standard for Laboratories.

"The confirmation of the laboratory as an institution responsible for the anti-doping tests during the Olympics and Paralympics at Rio 2016 reinforces the confidence of the Brazil sports ministry and Brazilian anti-doping agency in the work carried out by the Rio anti-doping lab (LBCD)," said the Brazil sports ministry in a statement.

Wada said the reinstatement means Rio officials can resume testing blood and urine samples this week and that they see no need for further action against the lab.

Around 7,000 samples will be tested by the Rio lab during the Olympic period. - AFP.

No-drug pledge, written tests for China's athletes

China have asked Olympic-bound athletes and coaches to sign a pledge not to use banned drugs and pass a written test, as they seek to enforce their zero-tolerance stance on doping, Xinhua news agency reported yesterday.

Gao Zhidan, vice-director of China's General Administration of Sport who will lead China's 711-member delegation, told Xinhua that rule violators would be punished severely and those who failed the written test - which requires 80 out of 100 points to pass - would be barred from travelling to Rio de Janeiro.

"China have been firmly against doping and have a zero-tolerance approach to this particular problem," he said.

"We have made it very clear that we want to ensure fair play and the well-being of athletes."

The country will send 416 athletes to the Games next month, their largest overseas delegation in Olympic history.

- Reuters.

OlympicsdrugstestingLaboratorysuspensionWorld Anti-Doping AgencyWadaParalympicsRio 2016