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Basketball

NBA star Satnam Singh suspended after failing dope test

NBA star Satnam Singh suspended after failing dope test
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By

Sarah Waris

Published: 7 Dec 2019 9:45 AM GMT

Satnam Singh, who had become the first Indian to be drafted into the NBA in 2015, has been suspended by the National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) after failing a dope test. According to reports, Satnam's urine samples were collected in August 2019 and showed traces of higenamine, a beta 2 agonist. He was subsequently suspended on November 19.

The 23-year old player from Punjab has represented India in major events like the Asian Championships, Commonwealth Games in 2018 and the 2019 World Cup Qualifiers. He had been selected in the squad for the South Asian Games that is currently being held in Nepal, but has not travelled to the regional competition that began with India trouncing Bhutan 138-63 in their opener.

Satnam had created waves four years ago when he was picked up in the NBA draft by Dallas Mavericks. For the next two years, he represented Texas Legends in the Development League, an affiliate team of the Mavericks. Last year, Satnam became the first Indian to play in the National Basketball League in Canada, where he played for St John's Edge.

Satnam Singh
Satnam had created waves four years ago when he was picked up in the NBA draft by Dallas Mavericks.

However, Satnam is not the only Indian athlete who has been suspended following a failed dope test in the recent list released by NADA. At least 156 athletes have been tested for consuming drugs for performance enhancement till November 30 - more than double the number of athletes who were caught for doping in 2018 - with 30 bodybuilders alone failing dope tests during the National Bodybuilding Championship in April.

Among other players suspended by the NADA, who are not bodybuilders, include Wushu player Jai Prakash and powerlifter Rejul Pavi and boxer Neeraj Phogat.

NADA carried out 157 dope tests in October and a further 306 in November, with weightlifter Ravi Kumar and runner Jyoti Singh, who won the Delhi half marathon this year, failing the tests as well. Ravi and Jyoti have been given four-year bans.

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