Indian powerlifter Sandeep Kaur has been handed a lengthy 10-year suspension by the National Anti-Doping Agency's Disciplinary Panel (ADDP). This is one of the harshest punishments ever issued by the committee. The ban comes after Kaur's second doping offense and the presence of multiple prohibited substances in her recent drug test. The 31-year-old from Punjab previously served a four-year suspension after testing positive for Stanozolol in 2019. She returned to competition in August last year and even secured a third-place finish in the 69kg category at the National Senior Women's Powerlifting Championships. However, a urine sample collected during the event revealed the presence of Norandrosterone, Metandienone, and Mephentermine, all banned substances. This repeat offense along with the use of multiple prohibited drugs resulted in the extended 10-year ban.
In a hearing between the athlete and the Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel (ADDP), the panel concluded that the athlete could not explain how the banned substance entered their system. This lack of explanation is significant. The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) argued to the panel that the athlete's use of multiple prohibited substances constituted an aggravating circumstance. NADA pointed out that the rules allow for a harsher penalty in such cases, with a potential two-year increase in ineligibility.
The ADDP agreed with NADA's argument. They ruled that the athlete had violated Articles 10.9 and 10.4 of the anti-doping regulations, resulting in a ten-year ban. It's important to note, however, that the official suspension period starts from September 6th, 2023, which coincides with the date of the athlete's provisional suspension.
In a crackdown on doping violations, the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has handed down penalties to two athletes and expanded its list of provisionally suspended athletes. Wushu player Avnish Giri received a four-year ban for competing in a competition while already under suspension. This violation occurred on August 8th, 2023, and falls under Article 10.14.1 of the NADA Rules (2021). This rule prohibits athletes who are ineligible or facing temporary suspension from participating in any competition.
Neha V, who participated in Kerala's silver medal-winning 4x100m relay team at the 2023 Goa National Games, has also been banned for four years. This penalty, starting from December 6, 2023, is a consequence of a failed doping test. Furthermore, NADA has significantly increased the number of athletes on its provisional suspension list. Track and field athletes, along with wrestlers, make up the majority of these additions.
With PTI Inputs
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