Kartik Kumar Faces Provisional Suspension for Doping Violation

Kartik Kumar, the silver medalist from the Asian Games, has been provisionally suspended for doping after testing positive for banned substances. This incident follows a series of doping violations among Indian athletes. The Athletics Federation of India has confirmed the suspension and will take necessary actions. Discover the details of this case and its implications for Indian athletics.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 12, 2025, 22:07 IST

Kartik Kumar's Doping Suspension Details

Asian Games silver medalist Kartik Kumar has been provisionally suspended due to a doping violation after testing positive for a mix of prohibited substances. Training under coach Scott Simmons in Colorado Springs, Kartik underwent out-of-competition testing conducted by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) during February and March. The analysis of his samples at laboratories in Los Angeles and Salt Lake City indicated the presence of stanozolol, an anabolic steroid, along with elevated testosterone levels.

Following the provisional suspension, Kartik has returned to India, and it remains uncertain if he will opt for a 'B' sample analysis. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has acknowledged his suspension, with AFI spokesperson and former president Adille Sumariwalla stating that appropriate actions will be taken in accordance with AFI regulations.

During the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, Kartik secured a silver medal in the men's 10,000-meter race, while fellow athlete Gulveer Singh earned a bronze. These medals marked a significant achievement for India, being the first since Gulab Chand's bronze at the 1998 Games in Bangkok.

This incident adds to a concerning trend of doping violations among Indian athletes, which includes cases involving sprinters Himani Chandel and long-distance runners Archana Jadhav, Pradhan Kirulkar, and Vivek More. Additionally, javelin thrower Manu DP was provisionally suspended ahead of the Paris Olympics.