Indian shot putter Jasmine Kaur has been provisionally suspended by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) after a failed dope test, adding to a recent string of doping violations in Indian sports.
Promising Athlete Under Provisional Suspension
Jasmine Kaur, a 22-year-old shot putter, finds herself provisionally suspended by NADA. This decision comes after her sample tested positive for Terbutaline, a stimulant commonly found in cough syrups.
Kaur had a notable year, winning a gold medal at the National Games in Dehradun with a personal best throw of 15.97 metres. Last year, the Punjab athlete also secured second place at the Inter-University Games, achieving a best effort of 14.75 metres.
Understanding Terbutaline
Terbutaline is a beta-2 adrenergic agonist, primarily used as a bronchodilator to treat conditions like asthma. While it helps open airways, it’s also on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) prohibited list as a stimulant.
Athletes must be extremely careful about medications, even common ones like cough syrups, as they can contain banned substances leading to unintentional doping violations.
A Growing Concern in Indian Sports
Jasmine Kaur’s suspension follows a concerning trend of high-profile doping cases in Indian athletics and wrestling. Just recently, wrestler Nitika, an Under-20 World Championship silver medallist, was handed a four-year ban, effective from May of last year.
These cases highlight a broader issue within the sporting community, prompting calls for stricter vigilance and athlete education.
The Case of Reetika Hooda
Adding to the list, Paris Olympian and junior world champion wrestler Reetika Hooda was also provisionally suspended a few days prior. Reetika, a promising heavyweight wrestler in the 76 kg category, tested positive for a banned substance from a urine sample collected by NADA.
Her suspension forced her to withdraw from upcoming international competitions, including a Ranking Series tournament in Budapest and the World Championships. She was also asked to leave the ongoing national camp in New Delhi.
Federation Takes Firm Stance
In response to these recent doping incidents, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has taken stern action. WFI officials reportedly summoned other wrestlers at the national training camp to caution them about career-threatening activities.
The federation has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for doping. Athletes have been reminded to only use officially procured and tested supplements to avoid such pitfalls, emphasizing the severe consequences of positive dope tests.
- Shot putter Jasmine Kaur is provisionally suspended for testing positive for Terbutaline.
- Terbutaline is a stimulant found in common medications like cough syrups.
- This is part of a series of recent doping suspensions, including wrestlers Nitika and Reetika Hooda.
- Sports federations are stepping up warnings to athletes about supplement use and doping risks.
These incidents underscore the ongoing challenge of maintaining integrity in sports and the critical need for athletes to be vigilant about what they consume.
