Asiad medallist Poovamma handed 2-year ban

NEW DELHI: Senior India quarter-miler and Asian Games medallist MR Poovamma has been handed a two-year ban for flunking a dope test last year as the Anti-Doping Appeal Panel (ADAP) of the NADA overturned a disciplinary panel decision to hand her a three-month suspension.

The 32-year-old Poovamma’s dope sample collected on February 18 last year, during the Indian Grand Prix I in Patiala, had returned positive for stimulant methylhexaneamine, a specified substance under World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code. The Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel in a June order had handed her just three months suspension.

On appeal by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) against the disciplinary panel decision, the ADAP handed Poovamma a two-year ban.

“We set aside the impugned order dated 16.06.2022 as passed by Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel and allow the appeal of NADA and consequently impose a sanction of 02 years under Article 10.2.2 ineligibility upon the Athlete,” the Anti-Doping Appeal Panel headed by Abhinav Mukerji said.