Indian Athlete Faces Three-Year Ban for Doping Test Evasion

The Athletics Integrity Unit has upheld a three-year ban for Indian runner Varsha Tekam for evading a doping test. Tekam disappeared after being notified for testing following her third-place finish in the Pune Half Marathon. This act is a serious doping violation with an initial four-year ban, reduced to three since she confessed.

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has reaffirmed the three-year doping ban on Indian long-distance runner Varsha Tekam for evading a doping test. The AIU emphasized the importance of compliance once an athlete is notified for testing.

On June 5, Varsha Tekam faced a three-year suspension after failing to appear for a required doping test after her third-place finish in the Pune Half Marathon. Despite being notified by a Doping Control Officer, she evaded testing under the pretense of getting water, only to disappear into the crowd.

After a thorough search and repeated announcements, Tekam could not be found. Her inability to submit to sample collection was deemed a severe violation under Rule 2.3. Although the typical punishment is a four-year ban, her early admission led to a reduced suspension period.

(With inputs from agencies.)