The National
The list of athletes facing provisional suspension includes Ashu and Kaushal Kumar, both of whom tested positive for mephentermine. Jujhar Singh has been suspended for the presence of EPO, while para-athlete Bhagat Singh was flagged for mephentermine and morphine. Further cases include Baljit Kaur, who tested positive for metenolone and oxandrolone, and Nabeel Sahi, found with mephentermine and 19-norandrosterone. Additionally, Ravi tested positive for a combination of mephentermine, meldonium, and 19-norandrosterone, while Prakruthi Rupa Rao, a National inter-State bronze medallist in the 200m, was suspended for stanozolol and drostanolone.
Disciplinary Actions and Extended Bans
Beyond the recent provisional suspensions, the NADA disciplinary panel has finalized several long-term sanctions for other athletes and support personnel. In a significant development, coach Rakesh Kumar has been handed a lifetime ban from the sport.
The agency also confirmed a series of multi-year suspensions for various competitors. Anjali Kumari has received a six-year ban, while Sanjana Singh has been suspended for five years. Sachin Poswal faces a four-year period of ineligibility, and Shashikesh Kumar has been handed a three-year suspension. Additionally, Seema Punia and Nitesh Poonia have each been issued two-year bans. International archer Sukhmani Babrekar is also among those sanctioned, having been suspended for a period of 18 months.
