Sport · India Bureau
Asian Games Gold Medallist Barman Faces Doping Suspension
India's celebrated heptathlete Swapna Barman has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for a banned substance, marking a significant setback for the country's track and field programme. The National Anti Doping Agency action comes amid broader doping violations within Indian athletics.
LSN India ·
Swapna Barman, who became India's first Asian Games gold medallist in heptathlon at the 2018 Jakarta Games, has been provisionally banned by the National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) following a positive doping test. The athlete, who has been a prominent figure in Indian women's athletics, now faces a lengthy suspension pending the outcome of her case proceedings.
The provisional suspension represents a major development in Indian athletics, which has faced increasing scrutiny over anti-doping compliance in recent years. NADA's action underscores the agency's commitment to maintaining clean sport standards across all levels of competition.
In related developments, field athlete Shivpal Singh has been handed a 10-year ban by the agency following separate doping violations. The sanctions reflect the seriousness with which Indian sports authorities are pursuing violations of the World Anti-Doping Agency code.
Barman's case is expected to proceed through NADA's adjudication process, where the athlete will have the opportunity to present her defence. The outcomes of these cases may have implications for upcoming international competitions involving Indian athletes.