New Delhi: Sports Minister Sunil Dutt today (Aug 20, 2004) said the Government would take appropriate action against dope offenders after consultations with the officials of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and Weightlifting Federation of India (WFI).

"Once the IOA officials and the WFI officials return from Athens, we will get all the information from them and then decide what action should be taken," he told reporters in New Delhi today.

"One thing is sure, action will be taken against those guilty." Two lifters -- Pratima Kumari and Sanamacha Chanu -- tested positive for banned drugs in the ongoing Athens Olympic Games and are among the six athletes who have been suspended by the International Weightlifting Federation pending an inquiry.