400m runner Deepanshi suspended by NADA after failing dope test

India's top woman 400m runner, Deepanshi, has been suspended by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) after failing a dope test. The 21-year-old athlete, who had recently won a silver medal at the 63rd National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships, saw her promising career take a sudden hit.

Deepanshi clocked an impressive 52.01 seconds to finish second behind Kiran Pahal, who won the race with a time of 50.92 seconds and qualified for the Paris Olympics 2024.

The event, held at the Tau Devi Stadium in Panchkula, was a crucial final qualifying event for the upcoming Paris Olympics. Unfortunately, Deepanshi's in-competition dope sample, collected on June 27, revealed the presence of anabolic steroids.

This was the first positive doping case from the 63rd National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships, held from June 27 to 30.

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What could be the impact of this positive dope test on Deepanshi’s career?

Deepanshi, a Haryana-born athlete, impressed everyone by securing the silver medal. The quarter-miler could have potentially got a chance to feature in the mixed relay teams due to her performance.

However, AFI policy allows only players from the national camp to be a part of national relay teams to avoid cases of doping and have a close check on the athletes. Deepanshi, who was not part of the national camp, tested positive and inadvertently affirmed the AFI's cautious approach.

As per Article 10.8.1 of the NADA Anti-Doping Rules, Deepanshi could face a four-year ban, which could be reduced by one year if she admits to the violation and accepts the penalty within 20 days of being charged.

Additionally, under Article 10.8.2, she has the opportunity to enter a Case Resolution Agreement with NADA and WADA, where the applicable period of ineligibility can be negotiated based on the specifics of her case.

As per the AFI rules, her coach could also come under scrutiny for the positive dope test.

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