Seema Punia's 16-Month Ban Adds to Doping Disgrace

Seema Punia, a former Asian Games discus throw gold medalist, has received a 16-month suspension for a doping violation. This ban, effective from November 10, adds to her history of drug offenses. Several other athletes, including runners and shot putters, have also been suspended for doping violations.

Seema Punia, once celebrated as an Asian Games gold-medal discus thrower, faces a 16-month suspension following a failed drug test. The ban, confirmed by the National Anti-Doping Agency, took effect on November 10. While the specific banned substance remains undisclosed, it marks her third doping offense.

Punia's tainted history includes previous violations, dating back to her junior years. Her recent significant appearance was at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, where she clinched bronze. Over her career, she has garnered four Commonwealth Games medals, with her sole Asian Games gold achieved in Incheon in 2014.

Apart from Punia, several other athletes have been sanctioned for doping. Distance runner Pooja Yadav received a four-year ban, while shot putter Manjeet Kumar faces a six-year suspension. Middle-distance runner Nikesh Dhanraj Rathod, along with marathon runner Kuldeep Singh and steeplechaser Chavi Yadav, have also been suspended for four years each.

(With inputs from agencies.)