In a stern message to athletes about maintaining clean sport, the Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel (ADDP) has imposed a four-year suspension on Indian middle-distance runner, Shipra Sarkar, for participating in competitive events despite being ineligible due to a prior ban.
The 30-year-old athlete, who primarily competes in the 800m and 1,500m events, was found to have flouted the rules regarding her ineligibility. This new four-year ban comes on top of an existing suspension she was already serving.
The Initial Ban and the New Violation
Shipra Sarkar was first suspended for four years, effective from June 28, 2020, to June 27, 2024. This initial ban followed a positive test for a prohibited substance conducted in February 2020. The athlete, who represents Eastern Railway, had appealed the initial decision to the Anti Doping Appeal Panel (ADAP), which upheld the decision of the ADDP.
The current disciplinary action stems from her participation in the All India Inter-Railways Athletics Championships for two consecutive years, in 2021 and 2022. These meets are crucial as they are used to select Railways teams for major domestic competitions.
How the Case Developed
The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) brought the matter to the attention of the ADDP. NADA charged Shipra Sarkar with violating Article 10.14 (Prohibition against participation during ineligibility) of the National Anti-Doping Rules, 2021.
The ADDP subsequently conducted a hearing. It was during this process that the panel imposed the fresh four-year ban, meaning Shipra Sarkar is now prohibited from participating in any competition until June 27, 2028. Furthermore, all her results, medals, and prizes obtained during the period of her illegal participation will be disqualified. The panel also informed the National Sports Federation (NSF) about the disciplinary action.
Athlete's Defense and the Panel's Verdict
During the hearing, Shipra Sarkar admitted to participating in the meets. However, she claimed that her participation was "unintentional" and stemmed from a "genuine lack of understanding" regarding the rules that prohibit an athlete from competing during a period of ineligibility.
The athlete contended that her participation was due to a "lack of awareness" or a "misunderstanding" of the applicable rules and regulations.
The ADDP, chaired by Charu Pragya, firmly rejected this defense. The panel stated that an athlete cannot be absolved of responsibility on the grounds of ignorance or misunderstanding. They emphasized that "NADA rules, nothing the 'athlete' is a seasoned and experienced player and therefore a higher degree of diligence is expected from her in respect of compliance with the anti-doping rules and regulations."
The ADDP order noted that there have been recent cases where suspended athletes attempted to compete, and this decision is intended to act as a deterrent. The panel concluded that the athlete failed to exercise due diligence.
The additional four-year period has been added to the original period of ineligibility. The ADDP's order confirms that the ban started immediately upon the conclusion of the original suspension. Therefore, the total period of ineligibility runs from June 28, 2024, and shall remain in force until June 27, 2028.
Final Take
The judgment serves as a significant reminder that banned athletes are strictly forbidden from participating in any sport-related activity governed by the applicable anti-doping rules and regulations. The ADDP stressed that suspended athletes must refrain from all sports activities to ensure the full conviction of their sanction period.
The ruling is a clear affirmation of NADA’s commitment to combating doping and ensuring the integrity of sports in India. It also highlights the responsibility of the NSF to implement necessary measures and oversight mechanisms to prevent similar violations in the future.
