Russian anti-doping agency expects partial WADA recognition by May

Lausanne, March 13 (IANS) The Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) expects to be granted a partial approval of its compliance with the WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency)'s Code by May and to be fully reinstated by November, Russian Sports Minister Pavel Kolobkov said on Monday.

"RUSADA's plan is to be granted a partial approval of its compliance with the WADA Code by May 2017, and the complete approval by November," Kolobkov said speaking at the Annual WADA Symposium, held here between March 13 and 15, reports Tass news agency.

Less than two years ago, the WADA Independent Commission carried out an investigation of the activities of RUSADA, the All-Russia Athletics Federation (ARAF), the Moscow anti-doping laboratory and the Russian Sports Ministry, and announced the results of the probe on November 9, 2015.

The commission accused certain athletes and sports officials of doping abuse and involvement in other activities related to violations of international regulations on performance enhancing substances. The work of the Moscow anti-doping laboratory and RUSADA was eventually suspended.