The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) suspended multiple National Games medallist Twinkle Chaudhary after the 28-year-old tested positive for a banned steroid.
The AIU issued Chaudhary with notice of allegation, and a hearing, where she will be permitted to present her case, is scheduled to follow.
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The athlete from Jalandhar won gold in the women’s 4x400m relay at the National Games in Uttarakhand earlier this year, along with a silver in the 800m and a bronze in the mixed 4x400m relay. She tested positive for Methyltestosterone, an anabolic steroid on the prohibited list.
At the 28th National Federation Athletics Championships in Kochi this April, Twinkle set a meet record in the 800m with a time of 2:00.71. She also secured a silver in the same event at the Taiwan Open earlier this month, clocking 2:06.96, and finished fourth in the 800m at the Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea, in May.
Her suspension underscores India’s ongoing issues with doping violations in athletics. In May, quarter-miler Sneha Kolleri was also suspended after testing positive for Stanozolol, another anabolic steroid. Kolleri had been part of India’s squad for the Asian Championships but was withdrawn after her failed test. Twinkle Chaudhary trains with the Reliance Foundation under Athletics Director James Hillier.
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India continues to fare poorly in global doping statistics. According to 2023 World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) data, India had the highest rate of adverse findings among nations that conducted over 5,000 tests, with a rate of 3.8%. Out of 2,04,809 tests conducted globally, 1,820 were positive, with India accounting for 214, making up over 11% of total violations.
The Sports Ministry has committed to a stronger fight against doping, including a more intensive awareness campaign. An updated National Anti-Doping Act, addressing WADA’s concerns regarding government interference, is expected to be tabled in Parliament soon.