Archive · 2 Jul 2025
Track Athletes Get Reduced Bans for Doping Test Evasion
Four track athletes got their punishment for missing drug tests shortened.
They were initially banned for four years but got one year taken off because they admitted they did wrong quickly.
The athletes, including Pooja Rani, Kiran, Pankaj, and Chelimi Pratyusha, were penalized for avoiding drug tests, which is against the rules.
Because they confessed within 20 days of being accused, they got a reduced ban.
The ban periods vary, with some starting in August and another starting in February.
Four track and field athletes had their four-year bans reduced to three years.
The athletes were sanctioned for evading dope tests under anti-doping rules.
The reduction was granted because they admitted their offense within 20 days.
Pooja Rani, Kiran, and Pankaj's bans began on August 13, 2024.
Chelimi Pratyusha's ban started on February 6, 2024.
- Who
- Pooja Rani, Kiran, Pankaj, and Chelimi Pratyusha.
- What
- Four track and field athletes had their bans reduced for evading dope tests.
- When
- The ban reductions were decided recently, with varying start dates for the bans.
- Where
- New Delhi
- Why
- Because they admitted their offense and accepted the penalty within 20 days.
- Athletes Involved
- Pooja Rani, Kiran, Pankaj, and Chelimi Pratyusha
- Original Ban Length
- Four years
- Reduced Ban Length
- Three years
- Reason for Reduction
- Admission within 20 days
- Pooja, Kiran & Pankaj Ban Start
- August 13, 2024
- Chelimi Pratyusha Ban Start
- February 6, 2024
- Governing Body
- National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA)