Shivpal Singh Faces Provisional Suspension for Doping Violation

Shivpal Singh, the javelin thrower who competed in the Tokyo Olympics, is facing provisional suspension due to a positive doping test for methandienone. This marks a troubling return to controversy for the athlete, who previously served a ban for similar violations. Despite his claims of continuing training in Patiala, officials from the Athletics Federation of India have contradicted his statements. If found guilty again, he could face an eight-year suspension. Discover the full details of this unfolding story.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 20, 2025, 06:10 IST

Shivpal Singh's Doping Controversy

Javelin thrower Shivpal Singh has found himself embroiled in another doping scandal. The athlete from Uttar Pradesh has been provisionally suspended after his sample tested positive for methandienone, as reported by sources.

Shivpal, who represented India at the Tokyo Olympics, was training under the guidance of javelin coach Sergey Makarov at the National Centre of Excellence in Patiala. He provided a sample during an out-of-competition test earlier this year and subsequently missed the National Federation Senior Athletics Championships in Kochi in April.

This isn't the first time Shivpal has faced such allegations; he previously served a one-year ban after testing positive for methandienone, a substance known for enhancing athletic performance.

The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) initially imposed a four-year suspension on him on October 21, 2021, but this was later reduced to one year in January 2023. His lawyer, Parth Goswami, successfully argued that the doping incident stemmed from a contaminated supplement, aided by Shivpal's disclosure of the supplement's name in the doping control form.

If found guilty again, Shivpal, who placed 27th in the Tokyo Olympics, could face an eight-year ban, marking this as a second doping violation.

Despite the allegations, the 29-year-old athlete insists he is not under suspension and continues to train in Patiala. "It’s not true. I am not suspended. I am still training in Patiala. I don’t know who is spreading these rumors about me," Shivpal stated in an interview.

When questioned about his absence from the Federation Championships, he explained that he was not performing well enough to compete. "What’s the point of participating if I’m not throwing well? I prefer to compete when I can consistently reach the 85-meter mark, rather than settling for 77 meters," he added.

However, his claims have been contradicted by Adille Sumariwalla, the national spokesperson for the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), who confirmed that Shivpal is not currently in Patiala. "He is not part of the camp and is not in Patiala. The AFI has followed all necessary protocols," Sumariwalla stated.

Sources indicate that Shivpal was removed from the National Centre of Excellence following a letter from the Sports Authority of India dated April 23.