Indian Athlete Faces Suspension Over Doping Test Evasion

Indian long-distance runner Pooja Aatmaram has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit for evading a doping test. This comes as the Athletics Federation of India sets stringent qualification standards for the upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Athletes must meet or exceed national records in 17 events to qualify. The CWG will feature a limited athletics program, allowing only 32 athletes per country. The Federation Cup in Ranchi will serve as the final selection trials, with selectors having the discretion to include strong medal prospects who may not meet the standards. Read on for more details.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 5, 2026, 18:07 IST

Indian Runner Suspended for Doping Evasion

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), responsible for overseeing anti-doping in track and field, has announced the provisional suspension of Indian long-distance runner Pooja Aatmaram for evading a doping test, as reported by ESPN.

Pooja, who specializes in the 5000-meter and 10,000-meter events, notably secured third place at the Indian Grand Prix 2 in 2024 while representing Rajasthan, marking her most significant achievement.

In the previous year, the 30-year-old athlete participated in the National Cross Country Championships held in Lucknow, where she finished in 25th place.

"The AIU has provisionally suspended Pooja Aatmaram (India) for Evading, Refusing or Failing to Submit to Sample Collection by an Athlete. Notice of Allegation Issued," stated the AIU in a concise announcement.

This provision pertains to athletes who either refuse or fail to provide a sample after being notified, without valid justification, or evade the sample collection process.

AFI Establishes Rigorous Standards for 2026 Commonwealth Games

On Tuesday, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) revealed strict qualification criteria for the upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Games (CWG) in Glasgow. Athletes in 17 different events must either break or match existing national records to be eligible for selection.

The CWG 2026 is set to take place from July 23 to August 2 in Scotland and will feature a reduced athletics program, limiting each nation to a maximum of 32 athletes, with no more than 16 being women.

For the Women's 10,000m, the qualifying time is set at 31:14.14, while for the Women's 5000m, it is 14:56.60.

The AFI also announced that the Federation Cup, scheduled in Ranchi from May 22 to 25, will serve as the final selection trials for the Commonwealth Games. Athletes who have previously met the qualifying standards must also compete. However, the federation may exempt athletes under exceptional circumstances.

Selectors will have the authority to include athletes who may not meet the standards but are viewed as strong contenders for medals.

Unlike the Olympics, where qualification standards are standardized globally, each participating nation sets its own criteria for the Commonwealth Games.