{image-weight lifting_12052008.jpg news.oneindia.in}New Delhi, May 12: Reeling under controversy, the IWF received another blow as Kavita Devi was today banned for two years by the International Weightlifting Federation after failing a drugs' test.

Kavita, who competes in the women's 75kg, was hauled back from last month's Asian championships in Japan after the Indian weightlifting federation (IWF) learned she had tested positive for a steroid during a World Anti-Doping Agency test. The Indian Weightlifting Federation president Harbhajan Singh said, ''She was not inclined to take the 'B' sample test.'' ''She has been told in writing by the International Weightlifting Federation that she will not be able to participate in any international or national competition for two years,'' he added.

The WADA had picked up samples of 10 lifters including Kavita Devi, undergoing national training at the senior national camp from the NIS.

The Indian lifters were brought into the spotlight when positive tests in high-profile competitions led to a suspension in 2006.

Controversial India's Egyptian coach Magad Salama, who quit in February after a lengthy row with federation chiefs, had claimed several of the country's senior lifters were taking performance-enhancing drugs.

UNI