Four Indian athletes receive reduced bans for evading Dope Tests

Four Indian track and field athletes—Pooja Rani, Kiran, Pankaj, and Chelimi Pratyusha—have had their doping bans reduced from four years to three after admitting to evading drug tests and accepting sanctions within 20 days of being charged, reports The Hindu and Outlook India.

The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) had earlier suspended the quartet under Article 2.3 of its anti-doping rules, which penalizes athletes for evading or refusing to submit to sample collection without valid justification.

However, under Article 10.8 of the NADA Code, athletes can receive reduced sanctions if they cooperate early. In this case, the athletes admitted their violations promptly, triggering a one-year reduction in their bans.

Pooja Rani, Kiran, and Pankaj began serving their bans from August 13, 2024, while Chelimi Pratyusha’s ban started on February 6, 2025.

All four were also listed in the Athletics Integrity Unit’s June report of sanctioned athletes. The AIU, based in Monaco, is the independent watchdog established by World Athletics to oversee doping and integrity issues in the sport.