Doping in 38th National Gamesin U’khand: 11 athletes fail test

Dehradun: At least 11 athletes, including six from Punjab, who participated in the recently held 38th National Games in Uttarakhand, have purportedly failed the doping test and eight of them have been temporarily banned from taking part in tournaments, as per sources. Among those under the cloud are a basketball player from Punjab, who has played in premier foreign leagues and represented India in the sport. A wushu player from Uttarakhand has also been named.

The report was submitted by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) a few days ago in Delhi, said an official of the Uttarakhand sports department

NADA has temporarily banned eight of the 11 players. A prominent basketball player from Punjab is among them. He helped the Punjab team win gold in the National Games. He failed a dope test in 2020 too. A weightlifter from Tamil Nadu a medal prospect in the upcoming Commonwealth Games is also under the scanner," said the official.

Speaking about the issue, Uttarakhand director (sports) Prashant Arya said, "We'll study the full report before taking any action... As per norms, athletes under the cloud would be given an opportunity to appeal within a particular timeframe."

Arya added: "If it is found that any athlete underwent some sort of treatment with medicines under the ‘allowed prescription list', then that person won't be penalised. If not, the athlete will face appropriate penal action as per the law by respective federations of the sports they play for. The state sports department is in touch with IOA officials in this regard."

Courtesy – Times of India