Sport: Tikhan and Dzevyatouski deprived of presidential scholarships

Belarusian hammer throwers Ivan Tsikhan and Vadzim Dzevyatouski have been deprived of the presidential scholarships which had been granted for their successful performance at the world championship in 2007, Tsikhan's coach Siarhei Litvinau said in an interview with Press Ball newspaper.
Litvinau said the athletes were supposed to receive the presidential stipends within two years up to the middle of July 2009.

According to Litvinau, Belarus athletics coach Anatol Baduyeu and throwing coach Kanstantsin Astapkovich received presidential bonuses for the silver and bronze medals won by Tsikhan and Dzevyatouski at the Beijing Olympics.

Tsikhan and Dzevyatouski were deprived of their medals for allegedly testing dope positive. The Belarusians are expected to appeal the decision at the international court in Switzerland.