Seema Punia's Doping Ban: Tarnished Legacy of a Discus Champion

Seema Punia, former Asian Games gold-medalist, receives a 16-month ban for a doping offense. This marks her third violation, with previous infractions including one during her junior years. Punia's illustrious career spans over two decades with multiple Commonwealth Games appearances and a recent bronze at the 2023 Asian Games.

Former Asian Games gold-medalist Seema Punia has been slapped with a 16-month suspension following a failed doping test, marking the third such offense in her lengthy career.

The 42-year-old discus thrower's ban was initiated on November 10, as per the Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel's ruling. Notably, the National Anti-Doping Agency has yet to reveal the specific banned substance detected in her system.

Punia's athletic journey, spanning over two decades, is dotted with achievements like a bronze at the recent 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games and a medal haul across four Commonwealth Games outings. Her plans for retirement post the 2024 Paris Olympics remain unfulfilled as she didn't qualify.

(With inputs from agencies.)