New Delhi, 24 February (H.S.): Indian long-distance runner Pooja Aatmaram (30), specializing in 5,000m/10,000m, received a three-year ban from the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for evading a dope test after winning the Indian Oil WNC Navy Half Marathon on November 23, 2025, in Mumbai.

Crowd Dash After Verbal Notification, No Sample Collected

AIU detailed: Post-race, doping control officer verbally notified her; she refused to sign the Doping Control Form, then bolted from chaperone into the crowd at the Doping Control Station—eluding pursuit despite phone attempts by officials and race director. No sample obtained.

Apology Cuts Ban from 4 to 3 Years

Proceedings launched February 3, 2026; Aatmaram apologized in writing February 9, admitted violation February 17. Ban effective February 3, 2026–February 2, 2029; all results from November 23, 2025, onward disqualified.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar