Doping tests up by 15 percent at National Games

Doping tests up by 15 percent at National Games

BEIJING - The number of doping tests for next year's National Games will be increased by 15 percent in a bid to continue to curb the use of banned substances, said China Anti-Doping Agency (CHINADA) deputy head Zhao Jian on Thursday.

The number of tests was planned at around 2,050, covering both blood and urine samples, for the quadrennial event in Jinan, Shandong province, said Zhao.

A total of 1,772 doping tests were carried out in last National Games in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, with world half-marathon champion Sun Yingjie tested positive for steroid androsterone and banned for two years.

The high profile case was dragged into a court wrangle as the then 26-year-old claimed somebody spiked her drink with the banned substance.

Zhao said testing alone was not enough in doping control.

"Measures besides testing include more targeted education, severe punishments and specified responsibilities," he said.

The National Games will kick off in October next year as its winter events are held separately starting in January.