New Delhi, September 3(HS): Indian middle-distance runner Parvej Khan has been slapped with a six-year ban after he tested positive for the banned substance Erythropoietin (EPO) and also failed to comply with three out-of-competition dope tests within a 12-month span.

Once considered a rising prospect after impressive performances in U.S. collegiate athletics last year, Khan’s downfall began when his sample during the National Inter-State Championships in Panchkula tested positive for EPO—a substance that boosts red blood cell production, enhancing stamina. While medically used for cancer patients, in athletics it is a notorious endurance-enhancing drug.

Khan did not request a test of his Sample B, instead accepting the findings of “Sample A.” A first violation of this nature typically carries a four-year ban. However, his consecutive absences from dope tests on May 12, July 10, and December 5, 2023, amounted to another serious anti-doping violation worth two additional years.

The Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel (ADDP) of NADA, in its August 6 ruling, stated:

The athlete’s sample tested positive for EPO. Coupled with an additional violation within 12 months, the appropriate sanction is a six-year ineligibility period.

The ban is deemed effective from August 28, 2024, the date of his provisional suspension. All results from June 27, 2024 onward stand annulled, with medals, points, and awards forfeited.

Other Athletes Sanctioned

The ADDP ruling also listed several other doping suspensions:

-Summi (400m runner, Haryana) – 2 years (from Oct 14, 2024)

-Reshma Datta Kevate – 4 years

-Shrirag A.S. – 5 years

-Anirudh Arvind (Racing, Chennai) – 3 months (from Aug 22)

-Rohit Chamoli (Boxer, 2021 Asian Junior Gold Medalist) – 2 years (from Aug 23)

-Deepak Singh (Weightlifting) – 4 years (from Sep 25, 2024)

-Simranjeet Kaur (Weightlifting) – 5 years (from Aug 22)

-Arju (Wrestling) – 4 years (from June 11, 2024)

-Mohit Nandal (Kabaddi) – 4 years (from Aug 14)

With this, NADA has reinforced its tough stand against doping, sending another stern reminder to Indian athletes ahead of the upcoming competitive season.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar