Indian Athlete Dutee Chand Receives Four-Year Ban for Doping Violation
Ace Indian athlete Dutee Chand, the current national 100m record holder, has been handed a four-year ban by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) after failing an out-of-competition doping test. The banned substance detected in her system was Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs). The ban, which takes effect from January 3rd of this year, means that all of Chand’s results since December 5th of the previous year will be disqualified, including the forfeiture of medals, points, and prizes.
NADA confirmed the Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) in a letter to Chand, stating that no applicable Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) had been granted, and there was no departure from the International Standard for Testing and Investigations (ISTF) or the International Standard for Laboratories (lSL) that could undermine the validity of the finding.
The presence of the prohibited substance in Chand’s sample, or the attempted use of it, constitutes an Anti-Doping rule violation (ADRV) as per Article 2.1 of the NADA Anti Doping Rules (ADR). As a result, Chand has been provisionally suspended with immediate effect until the resolution of the case.
In accordance with Article 10.2 of the NADA ADR, if the analysis of the B-Sample confirms the presence of the prohibited substance or if Chand waives the right to have it analyzed, the ADRV will be confirmed. In such a scenario, the period of ineligibility imposed for the violation will be four years, unless Chand can establish that the violation was not intentional.
Chand has been given the opportunity to explain the presence of the substance in her sample by providing written submissions, statements, and supporting evidence. She can also admit the anti-doping rule violation, potentially leading to a one-year reduction in the period of ineligibility, or seek to enter into a case resolution agreement.
The ban comes as a blow to Chand’s athletic career. She is an Asian Games medalist, with silver medals in the 100m and 200m women’s competitions in the 2018 edition of the event. She has also won bronze medals at the Asian Championships in 2013, 2017, and 2019, and became the first Indian woman sprinter to win gold at a Universiade in 2019 in the 100m event.
It remains to be seen how Chand will respond to the ban and whether she will exercise her right to challenge the provisional suspension or seek a final hearing. The NADA and the Athletics Federation of India have committed to maintaining confidentiality regarding Chand’s identity and the specifics of the alleged violation until the case is resolved.
This incident once again sheds light on the issue of doping in sports and the importance of upholding fair play and integrity. The consequences of such violations can be severe, not only affecting an athlete’s career but also tarnishing the reputation of the sport itself.
As the case progresses, it is essential for all stakeholders involved to ensure a fair and transparent process that upholds the principles of justice and allows for due consideration of all relevant factors. Only through such diligent efforts can the integrity of sports be preserved and the trust of athletes and fans alike be maintained.
