Continuing the recent trend in Indian athletics, two athletes have tested positive in testing done at the National inter-State athletics championships in Hyderabad last month.
Bengal's Suparna Ghosh, bronze-medal winner in shot put (13.31m) has tested positive for steroid nandrolone. Suparna also competed in discus two days later finishing fifth with a throw of 35.38m. Both her results will be disqualified irrespective of the final sanction.
Neha Singh of MP will be the gainer in shot put.
P. Pushp Raju, a member of the bronze-winning Andhra Pradesh team in the men’s 4x100m relay, has tested positive for mephentermine. It is a ‘non-specified’ stimulant, which means he would not be able to get any relaxation in sanction if the charge is proved.
Andhra will lose its medal and the fourth-placed team, Maharashtra, promoted to the bronze position. Both athletes have been placed under provisional suspension. Due process will follow in the coming days.
