The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has announced a fresh list of sanctions, with athletics coach Rakesh Kumar handed a life ban for administering prohibited substances and powerlifter Gaurav Vats provisionally suspended over allegations linked to the possession and trafficking of banned drugs.
Rakesh's ban is effective from March 2025, when he was initially suspended by NADA.
The lifetime sanction represents one of the strongest punishments handed down in the latest anti-doping action and comes as Indian sport continues to deal with cases involving prohibited substances.
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Prakruthi Roopa Rao Provisionally Suspended
National Inter-State bronze-winning sprinter Prakruthi Roopa Rao is among the athletes placed under provisional suspension after testing positive for Stanozolol and Drostanolone, both prohibited anabolic steroids under anti-doping regulations.
Her case is among several involving athletes from athletics, with seven names from the sport featuring on NADA's latest provisional suspension list.
Quartermiler Kaushal Kumar, steeplechaser Jujhar Singh and long-distance runner Baljeet Kaur are also among the athletes provisionally suspended as doping cases continue to affect Indian athletics.
Weightlifter Chelsi Handed Five-Year Ban
Among the other prominent sanctions, Khelo India Games gold medal-winning weightlifter Chelsi has received a five-year ban after failing a dope test.
The punishment adds another significant case to the latest list issued by NADA, with athletes across multiple sports facing sanctions for anti-doping rule violations.
Gaurav Vats Case Linked To Drug Seizure
Powerlifter Gaurav Vats has been provisionally suspended in a case connected to possession and trafficking of prohibited substances. His nutritional supplements company's premises in Najafgarh were at the centre of a major crackdown earlier this year.
According to the details of the operation, a tip-off received by NADA's Intelligence & Investigations (I&I) unit in April led authorities to conduct a joint operation at the premises.
The operation involved Central Food Safety Officers (CFSOs), officials from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and local police.
Authorities reportedly recovered approximately 2,800 capsules/tablets and 11 injectable units containing prohibited substances.
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Banned Steroids Recovered
The seized material included anabolic steroids such as Methenolone Enanthate, Trenbolone and Stanozolol. Authorities also recovered 300 Methandienone tablets, 850 Oxandrolone tablets and around 1,500 Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator (SARM) capsules.
In addition, injections containing Adenosine Monophosphate (AMP) were among the substances recovered. AMP is classified under anti-doping rules as a prohibited hormone and metabolic modulator.
With inputs from PTI.