According to various reports, 3 Chinese weightlifters were among the 15 lifters who have failed retests of their samples from the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

The Chinese Weightlifting Association (CWA) has announced that it was shocked by the news. The Chinese association rejects any doping or cheating allegations and will co-operate with the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) for the doping investigation.

Earlier this week, the IWF said in a statement that 15 lifters, including 11 medal winners at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, have failed the retest of their samples.

"In line with the relevant rules and regulations, the IWF imposed mandatory provisional suspensions upon the athletes, who remain provisionally suspended in view of potential anti-doping rule violations until their cases are closed," the IWF statement said.

The IWF, headquartered in Budapest, is the international governing body for the sport of Olympic weightlifting. It was founded in 1905, and has 187 member nations.

Source: Xinhua

Proofread by Sean O Diobhilin