New Delhi: The Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF) was left red-faced on Friday, when it was found out that a provisionally suspended lifter was allowed to take part in an official tournament here.

Harjeet Kaur, one of the four lifters who were provisionally suspended after testing positive during the National Games, was not only allowed to take part in the Bhagat Singh weightlifting meet, but was also presented with a scooter after she won the women's 58 kg category and was declared the best lifter. She hails from Haryana.

To make matters worse, one of the joint secretaries of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) was the chief guest during the prize distribution ceremony. The tournament was held under the aegis of the Delhi Weightlifting Association.

"This is a complete breach of all rules," admitted one of the senior officials of the IWLF. "We had no knowledge of such an incident when the tournament was held.

"We are writing to the Delhi association and they could be suspended if their explanations are not found to be satisfactory. We are also writing to Nada (National Anti Doping Agency) about it. The lifter in question can be in deep trouble for defying the dope ban," said the official.

Sources in the IWLF said one of the organisers, himself a coach, was the main culprit. There have been allegations against the coach of promoting doping among his wards.