India loses an Asian Games 2023 medal after Parveen Hooda’s doping suspension
In an unfortunate turn of events, India’s medal tally from the Asian Games 2023 shrank from 107 to 106 after boxer Parveen Hooda was suspended for 22 months for three whereabouts failures within 12 months. She has been stripped of her bronze medal secured in the 57 kg category.
Besides the bronze medal, Parveen also lost her Paris Olympics 2024 quota place. She secured her quota after winning the bronze medal in the Asian Games 2023, held in China from September 23 to October 28, 2023.
It’s important to note that according to the International Testing Agency (ITA), Parveen’s suspension will come to an end on July 16, 2025. Her suspension tenure came down by 22 months after the ITA reduced her ban period by eight points.
According to the statement by the ITA, besides the period of ineligibility, Parveen Hooda’s results between December 2022 and May 2024 have been disqualified after her doping suspension.
“In addition to the period of ineligibility, the athlete’s results obtained between December 11, 2022 until May 17, 2024 are disqualified,” the ITA said in a statement.
For the unversed, the World Championships bronze medallist boxer Parveen committed three whereabouts failures within 12 months as defined in article 2.4 of the IBA (International Boxing Association) anti-doping rule.
“The ITA confirms that boxer Parveen Hooda has been suspended for a 22-month period, effective until 16 July 2025, after committing three whereabouts failures within a twelve-month period,” said a statement released by the ITA.
Nevertheless, India continued to stay at the fourth position in the Asian Games 2023 medal tally despite losing a medal.
Jaismine to compete for 57 kg Olympic quota in Parveen Hooda’s absence
With the Olympic Qualifier set to start on May 24, Friday, the BFI (Boxing Federation of India) will field CWG bronze medallist Jaismine Lamboria in the women’s 57 kg category to reclaim the quota place.
After Parveen Hooda's suspension, India’s quota places in boxing are held by Lovlina Borgohain (75kg), Preeti Pawar (54kg), and Nikhat Zareen (50kg).
Notably, 188 quota places have already been secured by 56 National Olympic Committees and the Refugee Olympic Team. A total of 51 quotas are available, including 23 for women and 28 for men in the upcoming Qualifier.