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As the year draws to a close, 2023's most significant doping scandal has surfaced. A total of 25 athletes have failed the dope test as they were caught using banned substances during the National Games, which took place in Goa from October 9 to November 25. Among these athletes, many are medalists, including nine prominent figures. A top source in the know of development told India Today that as many as 25 athletes' test report has come positive and all are provisionally suspended.
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The doping tests revealed that seven members of the weightlifting team failed. This group includes several international competitors. Following the revelation, the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), has requested that all implicated athletes undergo secondary B sample testing.
NADA has provisionally suspended the athletes who tested positive for steroid use. The number of athletes involved is anticipated to rise by four or five as the National Dope Testing Laboratory continues its testing process. This extensive doping revelation has caused considerable concern for both the National Games organizers and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), given the high number of athletes involved.
Doping Scandal Ensnarls Prominent Athletes
Several renowned athletes have been implicated in the doping scandal, with Vandana Gupta from Uttar Pradesh testing positive. Gupta, a prominent figure in weightlifting, secured a gold medal for her performance.
The list of athletes embroiled in this controversy includes Kamaljeet Kaur, who clinched a silver in the 200-meter race, and Ajay Kumar, a bronze medalist in the 5000-meter event. Other athletes caught in the scandal are Farman Ali, Praveen Kumar, V Neha, Harjodhvir Singh, boxer Bhawna, and Anita Devi, a cyclist who won a silver medal.
Doping Extends to Billiards
In an unprecedented turn, a billiards player has been implicated in a doping case. This marks the first instance of a player from this sport being involved. Beyond athletics and weightlifting, the scandal has affected two boxers, and one athlete each from cycling, wrestling, triathlon, netball, kabaddi, and swimming.
Back in 2015, the Kerala National Games saw 16 players test positive for doping. More recently, last year's National Games in Gujarat witnessed 10 athletes, including Commonwealth Games gold medalist Sanjita Chanu, test positive for banned substances. Chanu subsequently received a four-year ban.
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