The New Nation - Internet Edition

AP, New Delhi

The Indian weightlifting federation has imposed a lifetime ban on Satheesha Rai for his second doping offense. The WFI announced the ban Friday after re-examining Rai's case, which it had earlier closed without taking any action because Rai had retired. "Satheesha has been given a life ban," WFI president Harbhajan Singh told the Press Trust of India.

Singh didn't say why the case was reopened. Media reports said it was demanded by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Rai first tested positive for a stimulant at the 2002

Commonwealth Games, which resulted in his two gold medals and one bronze being revoked. He returned to competition after serving a six-month suspension, but tested positive for the steroid stanozolol at India's National Games last year.

The WFI also imposed a lifetime ban on woman weightlifter Prameelavalli following her second doping offense during last month's national junior championship. She had failed an out-of-competition test by WADA before the 2006 Commonwealth Games and was banned for two years. The IWF also suspended the Uttar Pradesh state association for one year and imposed a fine after two of its lifters failed doping tests in one year.