Former Asian Video games discus throw gold medallist Seema Antil has been banned for 16 months by the Nationwide Anti-Doping Company (NADA) for failing a dope take a look at. The 42-year-old Punia’s suspension will likely be efficient from November 10, as per the up to date listing of doping sanctions put up on the NADA web site.
NADA hasn’t specified the substance present in Punia’s pattern however The Indian Categorical understands that it was a masking agent present in a take a look at performed in 2024.
Punia’s final main medal got here on the 2022 Asian Video games the place she gained the bronze medal on the age of 40. It was her third medal on the continental showpiece. Earlier than 2022, she medalled on the 2014 and 2018 editions with a gold and bronze respectively.
Nevertheless, Punia has a protracted historical past with doping courting again to her junior days. On the 2000 Junior World Championships, she misplaced her gold medal after testing constructive for pseudoephedrine. Earlier than the 2006 Asian Video games, she examined constructive for steroid stanozolol and missed the version held in Doha.
Distance runner Pooja Yadav (4 years), shot putter Manjeet Kumar (six years) and middle-distance runner Nikesh Dhanraj Rathod (4 years) had been additionally suspended for failing dope exams. Additionally suspended for 4 years had been marathon runner Kuldeep Singh and lady steeplechaser Chavi Yadav.
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