New Russian anti-doping head vows to create clear system

The newly-named head of the Russian anti-doping commission Vitaly Smirnov on Thursday vowed to create a transparent system to prevent drug abuse in sports.

"We are ready to create an absolutely transparent system in our country, given that the same system is used by other countries," Smirnov said, adding that any anti-doping system must be constantly improved.

Smirnov said that the commission would try to win back the trust of the international sports community, suggesting that Russian Health Ministry should be the one to handle the anti-doping policies independently.

He also noted that the commission, established under the framework of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC), would not be financially supported by federal budget and only receive "modest donations from the ROC."

Smirnov reiterated Russia's firm stance against doping in sports, stressing that "Russia has never had and will never have a state-backed doping program."

On Monday, the ROC appointed 81-year-old Smirnov, honorary president of the ROC and member of the IOC since 1971, to chair the anti-doping commission.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on July 22 suggested to create the new anti-doping body, nominating Smirnov as its head.

(APD)