Two Indians fail dope tests ahead of Olympics: Details here
What's the story
The world is still in shock over the four-year ban of Russia by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) over multiple violations. And now, two Indian athletes have failed dope tests, as a boxer and a shooter were found to have tested positive for banned substances. This happened seven months prior to the Tokyo Olympics. Here are further details on this.
The athletes
Ravi Kumar and Sumit Sangwan test positive
According to a report by Times of India, shooter Ravi Kumar, along with boxer Sumit Sangwan, have tested positive for banned substances. The test was conducted by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), as Tushar Dutt and Sabi Hussain confirmed the same. While Sangwan tested positive for acetazolamide, Ravi was found to possess propranolol (beta-blocker) in his samples.
Why ban?
Why are the substances banned?
As for the substances, acetazolamide is a diuretic and a masking agent banned by WADA, owing to its ability to 'increase the rate at which the body gets rid of water (which dilutes the urine) and change how drugs are metabolized'. Meanwhile, propranolol, a beta-blocker, also falls under the list of banned substances, as it is known to unfairly improve a user's skills.
Surprise!
Both athletes have won medals at major international tournaments
The development comes as a surprise as doping is rare in sports like boxing and shooting. Furthermore, both the athletes have won medals at major international tournaments. While Sangwan had won silver during the 2017 World Championship, Ravi had won bronze during the Guadalajara World Cup and Commonwealth Games last year.
Ravi's explanation
Ravi took the substance through medicine upon doctor's advice
Meanwhile, explaining his actions, Ravi said that he took medicines to reduce migraine headaches. "My sister has migraine, but it was the first time I had such a severe headache and I panicked. My parents took me to a doctor at home and I also told him that I am a shooter. I took the medicine only after he assured me," he told TOI.
Aftermath
Sangwan served notice by NADA, Ravi provisionally suspended
Following the dope test failure, both men have been sanctioned by NADA. While Sangwan has been served with the notice of an adverse analytical finding, it is yet unclear if he would opt for a sample 'B' testing or appeal to NADA's disciplinary panel. Meanwhile, Ravi has been provisionally suspended.