11 Indian Athletes failed dope test in December 2019

The toll of athletes who have been tested positive in dope test has significantly increased to 11 in December 2019 according to a report in The Indian Express. The list includes, a former Asian junior medallist wrestler and a national boxing champion, as per the latest results gathered by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA).

Roublejit Singh Rangi, who won a bronze medal at the 2015 Junior Asian Championship, is one of the 11 athletes provisionally suspended. According to the report, Rangi tested positive for THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), a cannabinoid prohibited by WADA in-competition as it possesses health risk to athletes and has the potential to improve performance.

“Athletes who smoke cannabis or spice in-competition potentially endanger themselves and others because of increased risk taking, slower reaction times and poor executive function or decision-making,” World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) had said in 2011.

NADA said Rangi has accepted his provisional suspension with effect from 6 February.

The report also mentioned, "According to NADA, 156 athletes in 19 sports have failed drug tests till November last year, making it one of the worst years for Indian sport in terms of dope cheats."

"The number is much higher compared to 2018, when 70 athletes were caught for doping. The corresponding figure for 2017 was 73 while in 2016, it was 77," it added.