Doping tests to start!

[Sasanishiki 57]

"As drug tests go, ours will be the strictest of all sports organizations!"

Except that we'll let everyone leak rumours about when the tests are going to be held...

[Kintamayama 44,263]

I don't share the cynical sarcasm peppered in this here thread, the Doctor notwithstanding. They seem to me dead serious this time. "Stop hounding me as to when the tests will be done. They won't be a surprise if I told you guys, right?", said Oonishi san to the press. Furthermore, the plan is to take the samples directly to a WADA - friendly testing facility without the Kyokai intervening in any way. I find that positive, and so will they, probably... Anyway, what are we complaining about? Rome wasn't built in one day- I'd rather they take it one step at a time than leave the situation as is. I'm convinced they'll get around to steroids etc.. in due course. They are mentioning them by name now as a target, so we're moving forward, I feel.

[Asashosakari 18,669]

So, what odds do we put on at least one oyakata failing the tests?

[Kintamayama 44,263]

So, what odds do we put on at least one oyakata failing the tests?

This is where my belief in the system ends.. I think an Oyakata caught would be very earth-shattering, so I think this will be prevented at ALL costs.

I'd go with ex- XXX, the OBVIOUS ONE, just in case.

Edited April 8, 2009 by Kintamayama

[Peeter 15]

Estonian proverb says: "If forest cut down, shavings will fly!", but why must be Hakurozan, Roho, even Wakanoho founders of Eastern Rome? Wakakirin - I agree! ;-)

[Asashosakari 18,669]

So only stimulants? And surprise tests by the organization itself and surprise tests announced beforehand? Very nice.

It still looks more and more like they will never implement anabolic substance tests and the cannabis havoc was a big blessing to Kyokai in this sense.

Flag on the play! It appears they're sorta serious about steroids, after all. According to reports in Sports Hochi and Mainichi, the next rijikai session at the end of May is set to approve a three-tiered suspension system for doping violations, with the exact details to be hammered out at the next meeting of the anti-doping committee in early May. Provisionally out of today's meeting, the setup will include reprimands for first-time offenders, a fixed suspension for the second offense, and indefinite suspensions after the third. An additional idea to levy 1,000,000 yen fines was dismissed after objections were raised.

Following the full WADA regulations is apparently out, but the use of drugs with "muscle build-up effects" will be tested for and sanctioned. Furthermore, the plan is to put the suspension business into the hands of a 10-man commission to consist of one representative of each ichimon as well as 5 medical people, among them anti-doping prof Onishi and the head of the Kyokai's medical office Yoshida. At least that's the word now...

Edited April 9, 2009 by Asashosakari

[hidenohana 0]

So only stimulants? And surprise tests by the organization itself and surprise tests announced beforehand? Very nice.

It still looks more and more like they will never implement anabolic substance tests and the cannabis havoc was a big blessing to Kyokai in this sense.

......

Following the full WADA regulations is apparently out, but the use of drugs with "muscle build-up effects" will be tested for and sanctioned. Furthermore, the plan is to put the suspension business into the hands of a 10-man commission to consist of one representative of each ichimon as well as 5 medical people, among them anti-doping prof Onishi and the head of the Kyokai's medical office Yoshida. At least that's the word now...

(sigh) I don't see this as a good thing,personally.

[Asashosakari 18,669]

Flipping back to the illegal drugs side of the coin...

Furthermore, the plan is to take the samples directly to a WADA - friendly testing facility without the Kyokai intervening in any way.

Representatives of Mitsubishi Chemical Medience (who also did the in-depth retests of the Hakuroho samples last year) met with the anti-doping committee today and concluded a contract for a full testing run, also advising the committee on the correct sample collection methods. "Now that the contract is in place, the inspection will go ahead," commented committee chairman Isenoumi.

[Kintamayama 44,263]

Flipping back to the illegal drugs side of the coin...

Furthermore, the plan is to take the samples directly to a WADA - friendly testing facility without the Kyokai intervening in any way.

Representatives of Mitsubishi Chemical Medience (who also did the in-depth retests of the Hakuroho samples last year) met with the anti-doping committee today and concluded a contract for a full testing run, also advising the committee on the correct sample collection methods. "Now that the contract is in place, the inspection will go ahead," commented committee chairman Isenoumi.

"We're ready to do tests at any moment from here on!", added the Mitsubishi guys.

[Otokonoyama 2,735]

I'm quite skeptical. Is it to be understood the NSK will be collecting/storing/transporting their own samples? Uhm...

[Kimyouzan 2]

>As drug tests go, ours will be the strictest of all sports organizations!", said Oonishi committee member.

That would be a very strong statement if the tests involved substances that produce unfair athletic advantage. But what good is the strictest tests "of all sports organizations" if they don't test for the proper drugs? Kaikitsune Makoto is correct. The cannabis situation diverted pressure on the NSK from taking on the much more serious problem of steroid misuse. I also doubt very much if they will ever seriously try to stop it. :-D

I totally agree with this. Smoking weed is not going to help anyone, so why should it be the concern of the kyokai? It should be the concern of the police. I suppose I understand that the kyokai feels a strong need to protect its image, but this is not the right thing to do, and not the right time.

[Asashosakari 18,669]

I totally agree with this. Smoking weed is not going to help anyone, so why should it be the concern of the kyokai? It should be the concern of the police. I suppose I understand that the kyokai feels a strong need to protect its image, but this is not the right thing to do, and not the right time.

Their image and their tax exemption. I'm kinda curious what you mean by "not the right time", BTW.

(Besides, I have a feeling that both Kaikitsune and sekitori would be making somewhat different comments now, in light of the additional developments since April 8th...)

[Kintamayama 44,263]

It's on. Musashigawa beya was called to the KKan today and their rikishi were subject to a surprise urine test. Other heya may be summoned later today, but so far- Musashigawa. The samples will be taken immediately to the outside company commissioned to test them the other day.

Edited April 22, 2009 by Kintamayama

[Kintamayama 44,263]

Afternoon-Asashouryuu does the urine test.

[Jakusotsu 5,745]

Afternoon-Asashouryuu does the urine test.

[Peeter 15]

As I understand, the picture taken on Hatsu Basho shows, how to taste, not test! (Eh?)

[Kintamayama 44,263]

Summary of today's action: Musashigawa, Tokitsukaze, Ooshima, Ounomatsu and Takasago beyas were tested today- all together 104 people including Oyakatas and the Yokozuna. The heyas were notified two days ago. So where's the "surprise"? "The stimulants and marijuana we are testing for remain in the system for longer than two days", answered the men. Additionally, Oyakata were present at the two critical junctures-the "giving" of the samples and the "presenting" of the samples. If any specimen comes back positive, a more definitive re-inspection will be done. "We will quietly be testing everyone for sure", said Musashigawa Rijicho who was also tested. "We were told of the tests right before morning keiko today. What with everything that happened lately, I feel this had to be done", said Miyabiyama. "I did it with pleasure. If everyone tests negative, we can prove that indeed we are all gambarizing!", added Kyokutenhou.

Edited April 22, 2009 by Kintamayama

[Kintamayama 44,263]

In English:

http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci...?nclick_check=1

http://www.sportressofblogitude.com/2009/0...m-drug-testing/

http://blog.taragana.com/n/japan-sumo-asso...scandals-33236/

Edited April 22, 2009 by Kintamayama

[Asashosakari 18,669]

... including Oyakatas and the Yokozuna. The heyas were notified two days ago. So where's the "surprise"?

Well, for one thing it probably ensured that Asashoryu wasn't already in Mongolia... That might have been a bit of a PR disaster.

One heya member apparently still couldn't be tested because he's currently back home, though it wasn't (as far as I can see) released who it was.

[sekitori 492]

These are two of the headlines concerning the ongoing drug tests:

Japan Sumo Association begins random doping tests after series of drug-related scandals

SCANDAL-PLAGUED JAPAN SUMO ASSOCIATION TO BEGIN RANDOM DRUG TESTING

These tests are for stimulants including marijuana (which can also be a depressant) but as far I know, there has been no testing for the use of performance enhancing drugs--at least so far. Both stories are quite vague, saying nothing about the specific drugs involved. After reading these two articles, the public will be led to believe that all drugs are now being tested for--included steroids and human growth hormone. "Random doping tests" and "random drug testing" sound very impressive, but not if those tests fail to include the use of performance enhancing drugs. It appears that the NHK is making their drug testing program seem much more effective that it really is at present. I have no doubts that professional sumo is trying to clean up its act--but it still has a long way to go.

[Kintamayama 44,263]

On their way to get tested-led by Kyokutenhou:

Asashouryuu at the testies:

Some policemen who were on their way to police had to undergo the tests as well?

Edited April 22, 2009 by Kintamayama

[Kintamayama 44,263]

Test method:

3 Oyakata from the special committee were present. There were 2 toilets. Each rikishi went inside with one supervising oyakata. All rikishi had signed agreements to undergo these tests beforehand, so they could not refuse. Each rikishi chose his own cup, and could see for himself that it was empty and not tampered with. After they did their business, the cup's contents was transferred into a container and sealed in front of them. To prevent any monkey business, the rikishi took off their yukatas and remained in their underwear, it is being reported.

Interesting fact: None of the "outside members" of the committee was present. Even member cartoonist Yaku Mitsures was surprised. "If I didn't know, then it must have been a total surprise. I do think, however, that maybe having at least one of us there would have been OK..", he stated.

And here is the newsflash: The kyokai is preparing tests for steroids as well.

Edited April 22, 2009 by Kintamayama

[Kintamayama 44,263]

"It's good that I did it. But yesterday I had a headache and took some medicine. I wonder if that was Ok..", said Asashouryuu half jokingly as he arrived around 14:30 in the afternoon. "Last time was really tough..", he said, referring to the Russians who were caught.

They are now saying the results will be in in 2-3 weeks.

The other 47 heya will probably be tested in the coming days.

[Washuyama 634]

They are now saying the results will be in in 2-3 weeks.

Looks like the results may come out during the first week of the basho. Fingers crossed...

[Sasanishiki 57]

There were 2 toilets. Each rikishi went inside with one supervising oyakata.

That might have to be a pretty big toilet!! I suppose it was not a cubicle?