Doping Scandal: Pune Half Marathon Winner Suspended

Pradhan Vilas Kirulakar, last year's Pune Half Marathon title winner, is provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit after failing a dope test. Kirulakar tested positive for meldonium, a performance-enhancing drug. The AIU handles anti-doping measures for international athletes. Previously, tennis star Sharapova was suspended for meldonium use.

Pradhan Vilas Kirulakar, the defending champion of the Pune Half Marathon, has been provisionally barred from competition by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) following a positive doping test.

Kirulakar clinched victory in December 2024, clocking a time of 1 hour 4 minutes and 22 seconds, but his triumph is now overshadowed by the revelation of meldonium use.

The AIU, the World Athletics' anti-doping body, issued a formal notice of allegation concerning the banned substance detected in his sample, echoing past high-profile cases like that of tennis star Maria Sharapova.