Indian Quartermiler Sneha Kolleri Suspended for Doping Violation

Doping Scandal Hits Indian Athletics

In a troubling development for Indian athletics, another national athlete has been implicated in a doping scandal. Following the suspension of javelin thrower Shivpal Singh, quartermiler Sneha Kolleri has also been suspended after her sample tested positive for stanozolol, an anabolic steroid known for enhancing performance.

Sneha, who trains in Thiruvananthapuram, has been removed from the Indian contingent set to compete in the Asian Championships in South Korea. A representative from the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has confirmed her withdrawal, although the specifics regarding the collection of her sample remain unclear.

Earlier this month, Sneha participated in the mixed relay team at the World Relays in China and was selected for both the women's and mixed relay teams for the upcoming championships.

The athlete from Kerala recently secured a bronze medal with a personal best of 53 seconds at the Federation championships in Kochi and also clinched the gold in the 200m event at the Indian Grand Prix-2 in Thiruvananthapuram, defeating Vithya Ramraj.

Notably, the AFI's selection criteria for the relay team stipulate that only quartermilers training at the Thiruvananthapuram camp are eligible for selection to represent India.

"The AFI is likely to face scrutiny following this incident. With a national camper testing positive, many questions will arise regarding the camp's practices," a source commented. "Additionally, the AFI has stated that they will take action against coaches if their trainees test positive for banned substances. In Sneha's case, she is under the guidance of a foreign coach, Jerry Holness. Will they hold him accountable?" the source added.

Meanwhile, Shivpal Singh, who faces the possibility of an eight-year ban for a second doping violation, has been training in Patiala with India's javelin coach Sergey Makarov.