India’s Pooja Aatmaram Admits Doping Violation After Evading Test

Indian runner Pooja Aatmaram has been banned for three years by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) after refusing to submit to doping control at the 2025 Indian Oil WNC Navy Half Marathon in Mumbai. Her results from 23 November 2025, where she finished first, have been disqualified.

According to the AIU’s report, Aatmaram was verbally notified of her selection for in‑competition testing immediately after crossing the finish line.

A doping control officer and lead officer confirmed her notification, even taking a photograph of her bib number when she failed to sign the doping control form. She was then escorted by a chaperone towards the doping control station but fled into the crowd before reaching it. Efforts by officials and the race director to contact her by phone were unsuccessful, and no sample was collected.

The AIU conducted follow‑up investigations with the officers involved, who confirmed that Aatmaram had initially appeared cooperative, even stating she would sign the form at the station. However, she later ran away, evading the chaperone and disappearing into the crowd.

On 3 February 2026, the AIU issued a Notice of Allegation under Rule 2.3 of the Anti‑Doping Rules for evading or refusing sample collection, and imposed a provisional suspension. Aatmaram was informed of her rights, including the possibility of a reduced sanction if she admitted the violation.

Initially silent, she later wrote to the AIU on 9 February 2026, apologizing and expressing regret for refusing to submit to testing. On 17 February 2026, she signed an Admission of Anti‑Doping Rule Violation and Acceptance of Consequences Form, formally acknowledging the offence.

The AIU confirmed that Aatmaram’s three‑year ban will run from 3 February 2026 until 2 February 2029, underscoring its stance that evading testing is treated as seriously as a positive result.