In a shocking turn of events, Kiran Baliyan, an Asian Games bronze medalist in shot put, has been suspended by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) after testing positive for a banned substance. This comes as NADA’s latest list of athletes involved in doping violations was released, revealing the names of several high-profile players. However, one name that has raised eyebrows due to its absence is that of Olympic wrestler Bajrang Punia.
Kiran Baliyan faces doping suspension after Asian Games success
Kiran Baliyan, who made headlines by becoming only the second Indian woman to win a shot put medal at the Asian Games, has tested positive for Metandienone, an anabolic steroid. If found guilty, Baliyan could face a ban of up to four years. Her suspension adds to a growing list of Indian athletes facing action for doping violations.
Bajrang Punia’s absence from the list sparks questions
What has surprised many is the absence of Bajrang Punia‘s name in NADA’s latest list. Punia, an Olympic bronze medalist in wrestling, was previously suspended by NADA on June 23 for refusing to submit a urine sample during selection trials held in Sonipat. However, his suspension was revoked by NADA’s Anti-Doping Panel (ADDP) on May 31, as Punia had not been issued a formal notice of charge. Though his suspension was lifted, the uncertainty surrounding Punia’s situation continues to create confusion in the sports community.
More athletes caught in the doping net
Baliyan is not the only shot put athlete under scrutiny. Manju Bala, a bronze medalist from the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, also tested positive for banned substances, including Dehydrochloromethyltestosterone and Ligandrol (SARMS LGD-4033). Additionally, Shalini Chaudhary, a silver medalist at this year’s Federation Cup, tested positive for metandienone, adding more names to India’s growing list of doping offenders.
Affected athletes from various sports
Other athletes caught in the doping net include javelin thrower DP Manu, quarter-miler Dipanshi, and medium pacer Parvez Khan, all of whom have been temporarily suspended. Wrestling’s 2023 Under-20 World Championship bronze medallist Arzoo was found to have used stanozolol, a steroid frequently associated with muscle growth.
Even in badminton, a sport that rarely sees doping violations, Krishna Prasad Garaga, a key player from the Indian team that won gold at the 2022 Thomas Cup, tested positive for hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). The doping crackdown has also reached athletes from wushu, rowing, and canoe, with multiple players like T Menaka Devi, Bhupendra Singh Byadwal, and Ashish Phogat facing suspension.
NADA’s increased scrutiny continues
With over a dozen athletes failing the doping tests, NADA is continuing its push to crack down on drug use in Indian sports. The inclusion of well-known athletes from disciplines like wrestling, badminton, athletics, and wushu shows that the issue is widespread, and the anti-doping agency is taking serious measures to curb these violations.
