Satheesha Rai is an Indian weightlifter and Olympian from Mangalore, Karnataka. He is also a recipient of the Arjuna Award given in 1999. He won a gold medal and two silver medals in the 1998 Commonwealth Games. He also won two gold medals and a bronze medal in 2002 Commonwealth Games but the medal he won in 2002 was stripped because he tested positive for intaking a banned substance. Rai pleaded innocence and stated, "I have participated in over 16 International events including the Olympics and the World championships the Asian Games, the Commonwealth Games besides a host of Asian Weightlifting championships and SAF Games. And in all these Games too tests are mandatory and I have come through clean. Also just before the teams left for Manchester, Sports Authority of India conducted tests thrice and unless it's negative we are informed,". but was subsequently served a life ban
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