Asian Games 2023: Promising Indian Judoka Jasleen Singh Saini has been provisionally suspended after failing a dope test for performance-enhancing drugs. Saini, who was a probable for the Hangzhou Asian Games in September, tested positive for SARMS during the 2023 Taipei Asian Open held last month in Chinese Taipei.
SARMs are a class of drugs that are structurally similar to anabolic steroids but have different effects on the body. They are often used by athletes to improve their performance, but they can also have serious side effects.
Saini’s positive test is a major setback for the Indian judo team. He was one of the country’s top judokas and was expected to be a medal contender at the Asian Games. His absence will be a big blow to the team’s chances of success.
The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) is currently investigating the case and Saini will have a hearing before the Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel (ADDP) in the coming weeks. If found guilty, he could be banned from competing for a period of time.
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This is the third high-profile judo player to have failed a dope test in recent months. In April, Harshdeep Brar and Gulab Ali Mohsin were both provisionally suspended after testing positive for banned substances.
The spate of doping cases has raised concerns about the integrity of Indian judo. The sport’s governing body, the Judo Federation of India, has been criticized for its lack of oversight and for failing to provide adequate education to athletes about doping.
The federation has promised to take action to address the problem. However, it remains to be seen whether these measures will be enough to prevent future doping cases.
In the meantime, Saini’s positive test is a reminder of the dangers of doping in sport. It is also a setback for the Indian judo team, which is hoping to do well at the Asian Games.