NewKerala.com

Key Points

Indian middle-distance runner Twinkle Chaudhary has been provisionally suspended by the AIU after testing positive for a banned steroid. The National Games medallist, known for her 800m performances, now faces a hearing to contest the allegations. This case adds to India's troubling doping record, which ranks worst globally per WADA data. The Sports Ministry has vowed stricter measures to curb doping violations in Indian athletics.

Key Points: Twinkle Chaudhary Suspended by AIU for Banned Steroid Use

  • Twinkle Chaudhary tested positive for prohibited steroid Methyltestosterone
  • AIU issues notice of allegation pending hearing
  • India leads in doping violations per WADA data
  • Sports Ministry plans stricter anti-doping measures
2 min read

AIU provisionally suspends Twinkle Chaudhary for use of prohibited substance

Indian middle-distance runner Twinkle Chaudhary provisionally suspended after testing positive for Methyltestosterone, adding to India's doping woes.

"India had the highest rate of adverse findings among nations with over 5,000 tests. – WADA 2023 Report"

New Delhi, June 27

Middle-distance runner Twinkle Chaudhary, a multiple National Games medallist, has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) after testing positive for a banned steroid.

The 28-year-old, who claimed gold in the women’s 4x400m relay at the National Games held in Uttarakhand earlier this year, also secured silver in the 800m and bronze in the mixed 4x400m relay. She tested positive for Methyltestosterone, an anabolic steroid listed as prohibited.

According to the AIU, Twinkle has been issued a “notice of allegation". A hearing will follow, allowing her to present her case.

Hailing from Jalandhar, Twinkle set a meet record with a time of 2:00.71 in the 800m at the 28th National Federation Athletics Championships in Kochi this April. She also earned a silver in the same event at the Taiwan Open earlier this month, clocking 2:06.96, and finished fourth in the 800m at the Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea, in May.

Her suspension adds to India's ongoing struggles with doping violations in athletics. In May, quarter-miler Sneha Kolleri was also suspended after testing positive for Stanozolol, another anabolic steroid. Kolleri had been part of India’s squad for the Asian Championships but was withdrawn following the failed test. Twinkle Chaudhary is associated with the Reliance Foundation and trains at its facilities under Athletics Director James Hillier.

India continues to rank poorly in global doping statistics. According to the 2023 World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) data, India had the highest rate of adverse findings among nations that conducted over 5,000 tests, with a rate of 3.8%. Of the 2,04,809 tests conducted globally, 1,820 were positive, and India accounted for 214 of them, making up over 11% of total violations.

The Sports Ministry has pledged a stronger fight against doping, including a more intensive awareness campaign. An updated National Anti-Doping Act, addressing WADA’s concerns regarding government interference, is also expected to be tabled in Parliament soon.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Very disappointing news 😞 Twinkle was such a promising athlete. This doping culture needs to stop - it's tarnishing India's sports reputation globally. Hope the authorities take strict action to set an example.
P
Priya M.
Before jumping to conclusions, let's wait for her hearing. Many athletes have been victims of contaminated supplements. The system should focus more on educating athletes about what goes into their bodies.
A
Amit S.
This is why we struggle at Olympics! 3.8% doping rate is shameful. Coaches and federations must share blame - they push athletes too hard for quick results. Need long-term training approach, not shortcuts.
N
Neha T.
As someone from Jalandhar, we had such high hopes for Twinkle. Her family must be devastated. Hope she gets fair hearing, but if guilty, she should face consequences. Sports ministry's awareness campaign can't come soon enough!
V
Vikram J.
Reliance Foundation should also investigate their training methods. When big corporates sponsor athletes, there's extra pressure to perform. Maybe that leads to bad decisions? 🤔
S
Sunita R.
So many young athletes look up to her... what message does this send? We need role models who win clean. Hope this case leads to better anti-doping education at grassroots level.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50