Suspended Runner Competes Under Alias at National Championships
Controversial Participation of Sachin Poswal
Middle-distance athlete Sachin Poswal has once again highlighted the ease with which athletes facing doping suspensions can compete under a different identity. Currently serving a four-year ban that concludes in January 2028, Sachin participated in the ongoing National Junior (U20) Federation Athletics Championships in Prayagraj, racing in both the 1500m and 3000m events.
Competing under the alias Rachin Gujjar, he secured the top position in the preliminary Heat 1 of the 1500m with a time of 3:56.53. However, in the 3000m, he finished in 16th place, clocking 8:35.74.
Upon inquiry by a local news outlet regarding how a suspended athlete was permitted to compete in a significant championship, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) updated the results, disqualifying Rachin from the 1500m event. Attempts to reach competition manager Ravinder Chaudhary and former AFI president Adille Sumariwalla for comments were unsuccessful.
Notably, Sachin, also known as Rachin, born on December 28, 2005, has previously deceived officials to participate in national competitions.
In June of the previous year, he competed in the Delhi State Summer Athletics Meet, finishing fourth in the 1500m. He was also slated to race in the 3000m at the Indian Grand Prix 3 in Bengaluru.
Last December, he participated as Sachin Gurjar in the U-20 8km run, securing third place at the Delhi State Cross-Country Championships. His new identification, as recognized by the AFI, listed a different date of birth and father's name.
While his old ID (ADLM200110) recorded his birth date as March 3, 2006, with his father's name as Rambabu Poswal, the new ID (ADLM122467) states his birth date as January 9, 2007, and lists his father as Rambabu Gurjar.
Interestingly, the AFI had previously formed a three-member committee, including IPS officer Sagarpreet Hooda, lawyer Parth Goswami, and chief coach P Radha Krishnan Nair, to investigate Sachin's past infractions.