NADA suspends 400-meter runner Deepanshi due to failed doping test

New Delhi, July 4 (IANS) India’s top 400m runner Deepanshi has been suspended by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) after she tested positive for anabolic steroids during the recent National Inter-State Athletics Championships in Panchkula, Haryana. Deepanshi had secured a silver medal at the event, clocking an impressive 52.01 seconds in the women’s 400m final.

The 21-year-old athlete finished just behind Kiran Pahal, who won gold with a time of 50.92 seconds and set a new competition record.

However, the joy of her podium finish did not last long, as her doping sample, taken on June 27 either after her preliminary round or the semi-final, tested positive for banned substances.

This unfortunate incident marks the first doping violation at the National Inter-State Championships, which took place from June 27 to 30 and served as the final qualifying event for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris.

Deepanshi’s suspension has caused a stir, particularly because she is not training at the national camp, which has led to much speculation about the source of her doping substances and the nature of her training environment.

–IANS

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