Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Swapna Barman Provisionally Suspended After Boldenone Test by NADA
Swapna Barman is a well-known Indian athlete who competed in the heptathlon.
She won a gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games.
She also represented India at the 2016 Olympic Games.
A test found a banned substance called Boldenone in her sample.
Because of this, India’s anti-doping agency has temporarily suspended her.
The case is not finished, and she will have a chance to attend a hearing.
She can also ask for another sample, called a B sample, to be tested.
Retiring does not automatically end the case.
If she is found guilty, she could still be punished if she returns to competition.
India’s National Anti-Doping Agency provisionally suspended heptathlete Swapna Barman after a positive Boldenone test.
Boldenone is identified as a banned anabolic-androgenic steroid.
The disciplinary process will continue despite Barman’s recent retirement announcement due to injuries.
Barman became the first Indian heptathlete to win Asian Games gold at the 2018 Jakarta Games.
NADA said Barman can request a B sample test and could face sanctions if found guilty.
- Who
- Indian heptathlete Swapna Barman and the National Anti-Doping Agency.
- What
- Barman was provisionally suspended after testing positive for Boldenone, a banned anabolic-androgenic steroid.
- When
- The suspension appears in NADA’s latest list; Barman announced her retirement earlier this month.
- Where
- The case concerns an Indian athlete; Barman won her Asian Games title at the 2018 Jakarta Games.
- Why
- Her test reportedly detected the banned substance Boldenone.
NADA’s Position
Barman’s Procedural Position
Effect of Retirement
NADA’s Position
NADA said retirement does not absolve an athlete of a possible doping offence and that proceedings will continue.
Barman’s Procedural Position
Barman’s retirement was announced because of injuries, but the articles do not report a public response from her to the suspension.
Possible Sanctions
NADA’s Position
NADA said sanctions would apply if Barman is found guilty, including if she later returns to competition.
Barman’s Procedural Position
Barman has the right to appear at a hearing and seek testing of a B sample before a final determination.
- Athlete
- Swapna Barman
- Age
- 29
- Anti-doping agency
- National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA)
- Substance
- Boldenone
- Substance type
- Banned anabolic-androgenic steroid
- Asian Games achievement
- First Indian heptathlete to win Asian Games gold, in 2018
- Olympic appearance
- Represented India at the 2016 Olympic Games
- Available procedure
- Barman can appear at a hearing and request a B sample test
