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A sprinter from India who competed solo in a 100-meter final in September, as his seven opponents ran away from drug officials, has now tested positive for drugs himself.
On September 26, Lalit Kumar emerged as the winner of the Delhi Athletics Championships when the seven other qualifiers vanished from the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
The seven individuals who withdrew all mentioned experiencing cramps and strains. However, authorities suspect that they were aware of the upcoming visit by officials from India’s anti-doping agency (NADA).
Kumar was declared the winner without any competition, but there are reports stating that the sprinter failed a drug test for the banned substance drostanolone metabolite on the day of the race.
Kumar has refuted allegations of doping, but stated that he will not pursue an appeal due to financial constraints preventing him from paying the testing fee.
According to The Indian Express, Kumar stated, “If I had used performance-enhancing drugs, I would have abandoned the situation like others.” He denied ever taking any drugs and believes that certain coaches may be trying to falsely incriminate him.
“The NADA office informed me that I must submit Rs 16,500 (£157) for the testing of my B sample. My career has been jeopardized before it has even begun. In order to appeal, I must present evidence, but I am currently without any.”
Earlier this year, a report from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) revealed that India was in second place, after Russia, for the number of anti-doping rule violations.
Sunny Joshua, the current leader of the Delhi State Athletics Association, stated that a panel was established to look into the sudden disappearance of seven runners and that a report on the matter will be released in the near future.
The people involved may be subject to a two-year suspension.
“The NADA will be responsible for administering punishment to [Lalit Kumar],” Joshua informed India Today. “However, we have established a committee to investigate the reasons behind the withdrawal of the seven other runners. The committee is expected to deliver its findings within two to three days.”
We are contemplating a two-year ban for competitors who withdraw from the race without valid justification.
The AFI has established a committee to address this issue. We will present the findings to the AFI.
Source: independent.co.uk
