MOSCOW, March 16 (RAPSI) - Russian President Vladimir Putin during the meeting with Cabinet members on Wednesday called for modernization of anti-doping legislation.

Those who induce athletes to use prohibited medication have to be punished, Putin said.

The President suggested referring to the international experience in this matter.

Over 60 athletes, including Olympic medalists and world champions, have tested positive for the medical drug meldonium this year.

In early March, former world number one tennis player Maria Sharapova, Olympic gold medalist in short-track speedskating Semion Elistratov, world champion speedskater Pavel Kulizhnikov, Russian figure skater Yekaterina Bobrova and several other Russians were named among athletes who failed a doping test for meldonium.

Meldonium, also known as mildronate, was banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency in January. Reportedly, the main reason for such decision was increased use of the medication by athletes, Russian in particular.

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that allegations of doping against Russian best sportsmen are politically motivated.