Indian weightlifter Monika Devi claims she is not guilty of doping

Indian weightlifter Monika Devi claims she is not guilty of doping — and has asked to be shot if she is proven wrong.

Devi, who was due to compete in the 69kg category in the Games, was dropped from the team hours before she was to board a flight for Beijing on Tuesday.

Indian deputy chef-de-mission Baljeet Singh Sethi said in Beijing Devi had tested positive for a steroid during an out-of-competition test conducted by the state-run Sports Authority of India (SAI).

"I am completely innocent," a tearful Devi told reporters at a hurriedly arranged press conference here.

"I have always stayed away from doping and that is why I was selected to represent my country.

"Everyone knows there are various international tests for catching dope cheats and no sensible athlete will ever do it.

"I am ready to go to Beijing and face the dope test: if I fail there, shoot me in public."

Devi was picked for the lone Indian weightlifting berth amid controversy after the original choice, Shailaja Pujari, was dropped following a cash-for-selection scandal.

Pujari was named in media reports as offering 500,000 rupees (12,500 dollars) to a senior official to get picked for the Games, a charge she vehemently denied.

Pujari, who was due to compete in the 75kg category, was replaced by Devi after fresh selection trials were ordered by the sports ministry.

Devi alleged she was being framed by some officials who wanted Pujari to make it to the Games.

"I had no clue about the test result, it was only revealed to me couple of hours before I was to board the flight," she said.

"It is a pre-meditated move by those who are trying to make a case for Pujari due to regional allegiance."

Indian Weightlifting Federation secretary Balwant Raj Gulati questioned the vaildity of the tests and said the body will back Devi.

"I don't know which tests they are talking about: these tests are invalid and we are firmly behind Devi," he said.

The beleaguered federation has just emerged from a one-year ban after a series of drug-related scandals between 2002 and 2006, which forced the Indians to miss the Asian Games in Doha two years ago.