Despite such strong support, the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWF) has shaky knees, a case of once bitten twice shy.

It is also possible that the federation is shying away from taking the big step, offering “another chance”. Fearing loopholes in the system, the IWF wants to constitute a hearing panel for the anti-doping cases of both Anita and Satheesha Rai before announcing their punishment.

“The panel will be constituted in February,” IWF secretary Balbir Singh Bhatia told Sportline.

Rai had tested positive for steroids during the Guwahati National Games.

Kumari had tested positive for steroids during the 2006 national competition in Visakhapatnam.

Alleging harassment, Kumari had approached the court. With her B sample also positive, her petition was dismissed.

This is the second offence of both the lifters. Earlier, Rai had tested positive for stimulants at the Manchester Commonwealth Games. Kumari had tested for stimulants in 2003.

The IWF is yet to get the court’s order, which apparently has delayed the proceeding on the case.

WADA anti-doping rules clearly state that any violation with steroids fetches a minimum two-year suspension.

“We want to give another chance to the lifters to explain their conduct on the anti-doping issue,” added Bhatia.

Meanwhile, the IWF has short-listed probables for the national camp in preparation for the forthcoming Asian championships in Japan.