Sanjita will lose her National Games silver medal as a consequence of the positive test
Sanjita Chanu, a two-time Commonwealth Games winner, has been banned for four years by the National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) for failing a dope test last year. Sanjita tested positive for Drostanolone Metabolite, an anabolic steroid on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) banned list, during in-competition testing at the National Games in Gujarat in September-October of last year. Sahdev Yadav, president of the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWF), verified the news.
“Yes, she was given a four-year ban by NADA,” he confirmed to PTI.
This is a huge setback for Sanjita, who will lose her silver medal from the National Games as a consequence of the positive test.
Sanjita was unable to be reached for remark.
At the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Sanjita took gold in 48kg ahead of Mirabai Chanu. She was named champion in the 53kg category at the 2018 Gold Coast edition.
The Manipuri has the right to appeal the ruling. However, it is unknown whether she will choose to do so.
“I’ve already been through this; why would I do drugs and go through it again?” I’m not sure if I want to file an appeal. In both situations, I will be defeated.
“If I file an appeal, it will take time to clear my name, and I will miss out on the opportunity to compete in the Olympics and Asian Games.” “If I do not comply, I will be suspended,” she told PTI in January.
This is not the first time the 2011 Asian Championship bronze medalist has been involved in a doping scandal.
The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) banned her in 2018 after she tested positive for anabolic steroid testosterone previous to the World Championships in the United States in November 2017.
However, the world body dropped the doping allegation against Sanjita in 2020 due to “non-conformities” in the handling of her sample.
“I’ve been in this position before. But I’m not sure how this occurred. Since then, I’ve been very cautious with my diet and everything else. “I carefully inspect my supplements and ask if they are free of all dope,” she explained.
