Double Asian Games silver medallist Dutee Chand appeals for support after four-year doping ban
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New Delhi: Indian sprinter Dutee Chand, a double Asian Games silver medallist, has reached out to the Odisha state government and the central government for assistance after being slapped with a four-year ban for doping.
Chand, who secured silver medals in the 100m and 200m women's competitions during the 2018 Asian Games, is aiming to continue representing India in various athletic competitions.
The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) imposed the four-year ban on Chand after she failed two out-of-competition dope tests for a banned substance in December of the previous year.
Expressing her dismay, Chand stated, "I received the news yesterday morning that I lost the case that I had challenged and received a four-year ban. I was very sad and shocked after the decision... I have given several doping tests earlier and this has never happened... I request the state government, central government, and NADA to help so that I can represent India in various competitions... I have not committed any wrongdoing," reported ANI.
The NADA ban will come into effect from January 3, 2023. Consequently, all of Chand's results from the date of sample collection, which was on December 5, 2022, will be nullified. This includes the forfeiture of any medals, points, and prizes won during this time.
Chand revealed that she was taken aback when informed by a doctor that she was suffering from Level 1 cancer due to the consumption of a banned substance. "I felt very scared, thinking what happened to my life. I got an MRI scan done and the doctor told me that a Level 1 cancer attack has begun. I had taken that medicine for pain relief... I did not know it was doping," she explained.
Despite the setback, Chand is determined to challenge the four-year ban imposed by NADA. "My lawyer tried hard to get me relief from this case. I think till now no athlete has been banned for four years in India. I have received 21 days, and in this time, we will file the case again," said the 27-year-old, who holds the national record for the 100m sprint.
Chand emphasised her commitment to representing India in future athletic events. "I have made the country proud by working hard, I played the game for the country for the public. I appeal to the Sports Authority of India and the Government to help me and give me a chance so I can work hard and represent India in the coming games. I will try hard to qualify for the 2024 Olympics," she declared.
Dutee Chand's remarkable achievements include securing silver in the 100m and 200m women's competitions at the 2018 Asian Games, as well as winning bronze medals in 2013, 2017, and 2019 at the Asian Championships. In 2019, she became the first Indian woman sprinter to secure gold at a Universiade, clinching victory in the 100m event.