In a shocking turn of events, Dutee Chand, the swiftest female sprinter in India, has encountered a major setback as she recently failed two out-of-competition dope tests conducted by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). These tests unveiled the presence of Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs), leading to her suspension from all athletic competitions within and outside India for a substantial duration of 4 years.
Dual Positive Tests and Consequences
Dutee Chand’s unfortunate doping issue stemmed from her positive results in two consecutive tests overseen by the National Anti-Doping Agency. These tests, involving the identification of SARMs, were carried out in Bhubaneswar during December 2022. Consequently, her involvement in competitive sports has been put on hold for a considerable period.
Retrospective Ban Effective from January 3, 2023
The ban imposed on Dutee Chand holds retrospective significance, with its enforcement dating back to January 3, 2023. Within this framework, the athlete from Odisha is granted 21 days to submit a plea for review to the anti-doping panel. This opportunity arises from the moment she receives official communication regarding her ban. Notably, Dutee was subjected to provisional suspension in January of the same year.
A Record-Breaking Athlete
Dutee Chand’s prominence in the Indian sports realm is undeniable. She etched her name in history as the swiftest female athlete in the country. An exceptional feat was achieved when she shattered the national record by completing the 100m sprint in a mere 11.17 seconds. This remarkable achievement occurred during the Indian Grand Prix (IGP) 4, held in Patiala during June 2021.
Successes and Setbacks
The journey of Dutee Chand has been a blend of triumphs and challenges. In the 2018 Asian Games, she proudly secured two silver medals in the 100m and 200m categories. Another highlight was her extraordinary performance at the National Inter-State Athletics Championships in Chennai, where she recorded a season-best of 11.40 seconds in the 100m semifinals. Unfortunately, she couldn’t clinch the gold medal in the final, losing to Hima Das. The year following this achievement, Dutee’s participation was curtailed due to her provisional suspension, initiated by NADA’s anticipation of her dope test results.
Testing Positive and Consequences
NADA’s correspondence to Dutee Chand on January 3 contained alarming news of her positive doping test result from December 5, 2022. This initial test indicated the presence of anabolic agents such as andarine, ostarine, and ligandrol. Subsequently, on December 26, 2022, she faced yet another positive test, revealing the existence of banned substances. The substances identified were primarily andarine and ostarine.
Penalties and Accountability
Chaitanya Mahajan, the chairperson of the Anti Doping Disciplinary Panel (ADDP), delivered a decisive verdict. He decreed that all competitive outcomes achieved by Dutee Chand, beginning from the day of her sample collection (December 5, 2022), stand invalidated. This implies a forfeiture of medals, points, and accolades. The ADDP emphasized that Dutee’s failure to cross-check drug contents with the updated list of prohibited substances by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), coupled with her inability to establish substantial fault or negligence, played a role in the verdict. Furthermore, her reliance on medication prescribed by a physiotherapist, rather than consulting a qualified physician, further impacted her situation.
Choosing Not to Pursue ‘B’ Sample Testing
In an intriguing turn of events, Dutee Chand refrained from pursuing the option of ‘B’ sample testing, which she could have done within a week of receiving the initial notice. This choice led to her provisional suspension by NADA in January. However, she retains the opportunity to lodge a plea for review with the Anti-Doping Panel (ADAP) within 21 days of being notified of her ban.
 |
| Dutee Chand, India’s Fastest Woman Sprinter |
Current Status and Notable Cases
Dutee Chand’s absence from the Indian national camp is conspicuous. This champion athlete finds herself among a series of unfortunate doping incidents that have plagued the sporting world. Earlier in the year, several other prominent athletes, including the 400m champion Anjali Devi, discus thrower Kirpal Singh, and weightlifter Erra Deexitha, faced similar doping test failures. In a recent incident, Bhawna Jat, India’s sole female athlete in the 20km race walk at the World Athletics Championships, faced repercussions for failing whereabouts tests repeatedly within a year.
Dutee Chand’s doping test failures have dealt a severe blow to her illustrious career as India’s fastest woman sprinter. The incident underscores the critical importance of abiding by anti-doping regulations and maintaining a thorough understanding of prohibited substances in the world of competitive athletics.
