'They offered me money to shut up': How India swimmer SP Likith exposed cheating in Tokyo 2020 qualifier

The Indian swimmer alleged that he was told by the official that it was an old practice happening since early 2000 and they were directed to ensure "qualification of 10 Uzbeki swimmers" for the upcoming Tokyo Games.

FINA, a recognised governing body by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for administering international competitions in water sports, terminated the results of the Uzbekistan Open Swimming Championship, which was held in April. The event was an Olympic qualifier, and Indian swimmer SP Likith, who was part of the meet, had alleged that the timings were altered in order to favour the local swimmers to help them qualify for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. The development was confirmed by the Swimming Federation of India secretary general Monal Chokshi in a report in The New Indian Express. "It has been invalidated by FINA. There were issues related to the timing. FINA has a strict rule as it is an Olympic qualifying event also. If there are any doubts or discrepancies related to the timing system, FINA would not consider it as an official timing result. That is the reason why it has been invalidated," the official was quoted as saying in the report.   Exclusive: Indian hockey captain Rani Rampal gears up for Tokyo showdown post COVID-19 recovery