Doping has reared its ugly head in Indian athletics once again, this time from seemingly unexpected quarters. An athlete who garnered attention for being the sole runner when all the other 100m finalists fled a Delhi State meet in September 2023 upon National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) officials' arrival, has now reportedly failed a dope test himself. (Athletics News)
The athlete has tested positive for anabolic steroid drostanolone metabolite, according to an Indian Express report. The steroid is commonly used in bodybuilding to augment strength and cut fat. The report adds that NADA claims to have conducted the dope test on September 26, which is when the Delhi State meet was held.
Furthermore, the athlete is said to have been e-mailed the adverse analytical findings by NADA officials in October. But the 100m runner says he has not taken any performance-enhancing substance and believes he has been framed. “Agar maine dope liya hota toh mai final me aata hi nahi.(Had I taken any performance-enhancing drugs, I would have fled like the rest). I have never taken any drugs… I feel some coaches are involved in framing me,” the report quotes the athlete as saying.
The athlete adds in the report that he will not lodge an appeal with NADA to test his B sample as he does not have the money for the test fee. “I went to the NADA office and was told that I have to pay INR 16,500 for my B sample to be tested. My career has been ruined even before it started. To appeal, I need to find some kind of proof and I don’t have any right now. I took protein supplements and maybe they were contaminated…,” the report quotes him.
Meanwhile, a Delhi Athletics Association official has confirmed the development in the report and added that the state body is trying to clean up the sport in the capital city. “We are doing the best we can. We encourage testing at our competitions. To curb such incidents in the future, we will try to educate athletes and coaches on the adverse effects of doping,” the official is quoted as saying.
