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The Athletics Federation of India's (AFI) "no needle policy" has come under scrutiny after numerous used syringes were discovered at the main athletics stadium of the Sports Authority of India's center in Lucknow during the 22nd Junior National Federation Athletics Championship.The syringes were found scattered in the men's toilets, which are adjacent to the dope collection rooms at the venue. The identity of the athletes who used the syringes remains unknown, but their presence raises concerns about potential doping violations."We can't keep an eye on every athlete, especially when they lock the toilet doors," said a security guard outside the bathrooms on condition of anonymity. "It's not our responsibility to check every time an athlete comes out of the toilet."The discovery of the syringes on the first day of the prestigious event, which serves as a qualifying championship for the 21st Asian U20 Athletics Championships in Dubai, has shocked organizers."We have no idea how these syringes got into the men's toilet," said PK Srivastava, chief executive officer of the Uttar Pradesh Athletics Association. "We have a strict no-needle policy in athletics, but I will investigate this matter personally."Srivastava confirmed that the AFI has set up a dope control center at the venue, where a team of doctors is deputed for sample collection. A six-member NADA team led by BN Mishra is also stationed there."AFI has set up its dope controlling center at the venue, and so far, nine samples have been received on day one of the three-day championship," said Srivastava. "It's disheartening that some of our athletes still resort to such unethical practices."The presence of the syringes has cast a shadow over the championship and raised questions about the effectiveness of the AFI's anti-doping measures. The incident highlights the need for stricter enforcement of doping regulations and increased education for athletes on the dangers of performance-enhancing substances.

Greek long jump sensation Miltiadis Tentoglou has vehemently opposed World Athletics' (WA) proposed experiment with the take-off board, expressing his concerns shortly after claiming the world indoor title in Glasgow.Tentoglou, who now holds the Olympic, outdoor world, and indoor world titles, erupted when questioned about the proposed change. The experiment involves moving the take-off board 5 centimeters closer to the pit, a move that has drawn criticism from many athletes."It's a stupid idea," Tentoglou declared. "It's going to ruin the sport. It's going to make it easier for people to jump far, but it's not going to make it fairer."Tentoglou believes that the proposed change will favor athletes with greater speed and power, while disadvantaging those with better technique. He argues that the current take-off board distance has been established for decades and should not be altered."The take-off board is a sacred thing in long jump," Tentoglou said. "It's been the same for years, and it's been fair for everyone. Why change it now?"WA has defended the experiment, claiming that it will increase the excitement and unpredictability of the event. However, Tentoglou and other athletes remain skeptical."It's not going to make the sport more exciting," Tentoglou said. "It's just going to make it more random. It's going to be a lottery."The proposed experiment is set to begin in May at the Diamond League meeting in Doha. It will be closely monitored by WA, and a decision on whether to implement the change permanently will be made after the 2023 World Championships in Budapest.