Banning Russia over doping unwise

The move by IAAF and the world anti-doping agency Wada to ban Russia from participating in next year’s summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro was uncalled for.

Wada accused the Russian Government and federation of complicity in widespread doping by track and field event athletes.

As much as attempts to curb doping, whict has dogged and threatens to ruin the beautiful sport is welcomed, it is prudent to exercise caution.

Banning the country means subjecting genuine athletes who work hard to untold suffering just because a few individuals are hell-bent on using crooked means to achieve quick success.

This also means we are losing the war on doping.

Instead of the move, these agencies should seal loopholes that have allowed doping to thrive. These include wiping corruption in the IAAF that allows those who engage in doping to get away with it.

IAAF should also partner with other players, including providing technical assistance to affected countries.