Anjali Devi, who was the fastest quarter-miler in the country last year, has been banned from participating in sports for four years by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). This decision comes after she did not pass a drug test in June 2023.
Anjali Devi tested positive for a substance called GW1516, which is not allowed at any time according to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) Prohibited List, specifically categorized as a metabolic modulator.
Interestingly, the website of the US Anti-Doping Agency notes that GW1516 was removed from clinical trials because it was discovered to have cancer-causing effects. This indicates that it had not undergone human studies and was considered unsafe for use.
Anjali, representing Haryana, achieved a remarkable time of 51.48 seconds to secure the gold at the Inter-State Nationals in Bhubaneswar in June, thereby earning qualification for the Asian Games.
With her time, the 25-year-old now stands as the sixth-fastest woman in the all-time Indian 400m list, sharing the spot with Haryana’s former Asian champion Nirmala Sheoran. It is noteworthy that Nirmala Sheoran has recently received an eight-year ban for a second doping violation.
Anjali, who participated in the 2019 World Championships in Doha, underwent testing on the day of her notable performance on June 16, 2023. A few weeks later, it was revealed that she had tested positive, leading to a provisional suspension.
Anjali is now included in the roster of athletes penalized by the NADA’s Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel, updated on Tuesday night. According to the order dated February 5, 2024, her four-year suspension commenced on July 7, 2023.
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