Manpreet Kaur Bronze Medal:  A doping ban can bring an athlete’s career to a standstill, but for Indian shot putter Manpreet Kaur, it did not mark the end of her journey.

The 36-year-old, who was handed a four-year suspension after testing positive for prohibited substances on four occasions in 2017, returned to competitive athletics in 2021. Five years later, she stood on the podium at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, winning a bronze medal in the women’s shot put.

Manpreet produced her best throw of 17.17 metres on her fourth attempt to secure the bronze, adding a major continental medal to a career that had already seen its share of setbacks.

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Why Was Manpreet Kaur Banned?

Manpreet was handed a four-year ban after failing four separate doping tests during the 2017 season. Her samples tested positive for prohibited substances, bringing her career to a halt at a crucial stage.

The suspension also saw her lose national records and titles she had previously held.

Manpreet appealed for a reduction in her period of suspension, but the disciplinary panel rejected her claims, citing insufficient evidence.

With the ban keeping her away from competition for four years, her return to athletics became a long and challenging road.

Manpreet Returned With A National Record In 2021

After completing her suspension, Manpreet returned to the national athletics circuit in September 2021 and immediately made an impact.

Competing at the National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships in Chennai, she produced a throw of 18.06 metres on her fourth attempt, breaking her own national record in the women’s shot put.

Her return was followed by another podium finish at the 2023 Asian Athletics Championships, where she won bronze with a throw of 17.00 metres.

Image Credit: PTI

Manpreet Kaur Wins Shot Put Bronze At 2026 Asian Games

Nearly a decade after her doping ban, Manpreet secured her first medal at the Asian Games. The Indian shot putter endured a slow start but gradually found her rhythm in the competition. Her fourth attempt produced a throw of 17.17 metres, enough to put her on the podium. The medal was particularly special for Manpreet as her 14-year-old daughter Jasnoor and husband and coach Karamjeet Singh were watching her compete from the stands.

From serving a four-year suspension to returning with a national record and eventually winning an Asian Games medal, Manpreet’s journey has been marked by setbacks, a long absence and a determined return to the competitive arena.

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