Shivpal Singh Faces 8-Year Ban After Second Failed Dope Test

India’s star javelin thrower Shivpal Singh, who represented the country at the Tokyo Olympics, has failed a dope test for the second time in his athletic career. His urine sample, taken earlier this year during an out-of-competition testing session while training at NIS Patiala, returned positive for a banned substance. The 29-year-old athlete has been provisionally suspended by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), and now stares at a possible 8-year ban under anti-doping rules.

Why in News?

Shivpal Singh, a prominent Indian javelin athlete and Tokyo Olympian, has failed a dope test for the second time. If the charges are upheld, this could result in a maximum eight-year ban, effectively ending his professional career.

Key Details

• Athlete: Shivpal Singh, 29 years old
• Event: Javelin Throw
• Major Achievement: Silver medal at 2019 Asian Athletics Championships with a personal best of 86.23m
• Olympics: Represented India at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics
• Current Status: Provisionally suspended by NADA

Background on the Doping Violation

• Shivpal’s urine sample tested positive in out-of-competition testing.
• He was training at NIS Patiala when the sample was collected.

This is his second doping offence,

• First offence: In 2021, he tested positive for a steroid.
• Initially banned for 4 years starting from 2021.
• Successfully argued that contaminated supplements were responsible.
• Ban reduced to 1 year by NADA’s Appeal Panel in January 2023.

Recent Performances

• Returned to competition in April 2023.
• Won bronze at the National Inter-State Championships (June 2023).
• Claimed gold at the 2023 National Games held in Goa.

Rules and Consequences

• As per WADA and NADA rules, a second doping offence may attract a ban of up to 8 years.
• If confirmed, Shivpal’s athletic career could come to an end.

Significance

• Highlights continuing anti-doping challenges in Indian athletics.
• Raises concerns about awareness and regulation regarding supplement use among athletes.
• Brings focus to NADA’s strict enforcement and testing mechanisms.