New Delhi, Mar 18 (UNI) Indian long-distance runner Archana Laxman Jadhav has been handed a four-year ban after the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) found her guilty of an anti-doping rule violation.
"The AIU has banned Archana Laxman Jadhav (India) for 4 years from 7 January 2025 for Presence/Use of a Prohibited Substance (Oxandrolone) DQ results from 15 December 2024," the international body said in a statement posted on its official X handle on Tuesday.
Jadhav, 20, provided a urine sample during the Bajaj Allianz Pune Half Marathon on December 15, 2024, which subsequently tested positive for Oxandrolone, an anabolic steroid prohibited under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code.
The adverse analytical finding was confirmed by a WADA-accredited laboratory in New Delhi on January 6, 2025.
The AIU, World Athletics' independent body responsible for ensuring the sport's integrity, reviewed the case and determined that Jadhav did not possess a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) for the substance. Additionally, no procedural lapses were identified in the sample collection or testing process that could have led to a false positive.
Following the notification of her positive test, Jadhav initially requested a B sample analysis but failed to make the required payment to proceed with the process within the stipulated deadlines. After multiple extensions granted by the AIU, she ultimately waived her right to the analysis.
On February 11, the AIU formally charged Jadhav with violations under Rule 2.1 (Presence of a Prohibited Substance) and Rule 2.2 (Use or Attempted Use of a Prohibited Substance). Despite being given an opportunity to contest the charges, Jadhav did not challenge the findings and, on February 25, accepted the AIU’s decision.
Consequently, the AIU imposed a four-year period of ineligibility, effective from January 7, 2025, the date of her provisional suspension. All competitive results achieved by Jadhav since December 15, 2024, have been disqualified, with associated forfeiture of titles, awards, and prize money.
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI), along with WADA and the National Anti-Doping Agency of India (NADA), retains the right to appeal the decision before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland.
UNI BDN CS