Doping cases are rare in the world of sports, but recent reports indicate that two athletes have failed dope tests. The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has taken strict action against Uttarakhand's fast bowler, Rajan Kumar, and Tamil Nadu's sprinter, Dhanalakshmi Shekhar.
Sports News: In a rare instance involving cricket, Uttarakhand's left-arm fast bowler, Rajan Kumar, has been provisionally suspended by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) after testing positive for a doping violation. The 29-year-old cricketer’s sample contained ‘anabolic steroids’ Drostanolone and Methenolone, along with Clomifene, commonly used to treat infertility in women, but which also has the potential to increase testosterone levels in men.
Rajan Kumar last played a match on December 8th against Delhi in the Group D of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. It is noteworthy that doping failures are very uncommon among cricketers, making this case particularly serious.
Action Against Uttarakhand Fast Bowler Rajan Kumar
The sample of Rajan Kumar, a 29-year-old left-arm fast bowler from Uttarakhand, recently tested positive for doping. His sample contained anabolic steroids Drostanolone and Methenolone, in addition to Clomifene. Clomifene is typically used to treat infertility in women, but it can potentially increase testosterone levels in male athletes.
Rajan Kumar last played a match on December 8th against Delhi in a Group D match of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. NADA immediately took action, placing him on the list of provisional suspensions. Doping cases are rare in cricket. Previously, Madhya Pradesh all-rounder Anshula Rao was caught for doping in 2020, while Prithvi Shaw tested positive in 2019. Such cases are infrequent in Indian cricket, making Rajan Kumar’s case particularly noteworthy.
Second Penalty for Dhanalakshmi Shekhar
This is the second doping case in the career of Tamil Nadu sprinter Dhanalakshmi Shekhar. She tested positive for a dope test for the second time in her career last year. NADA imposed an eight-year ban on her, effective September 9, 2025. Anabolic steroid Drostanolone was found in Dhanalakshmi’s sample. This was her second doping offense. Previously, she faced a three-year ban for doping in 2022. After returning to the sport in 2025, she again tested positive in a doping check.
Doping Cases Among Athletes in Other Sports
Recent NADA reports also include the names of several other athletes. These include:
- Nongmaithem Ratanbala Devi (Football) – Anabolic steroid Metandienone was found in her sample.
- Gaurav Patel (Athletics)
- Khushbu Kumari (Weightlifting)
- Achalveer Karwasra (Boxing)
- Siddhant Sharma (Polo)
All of these athletes are on the list of provisional suspensions. The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has clarified that maintaining integrity and fairness in sports is their priority. Doping cases not only affect the careers of athletes but also impact the image of the sport. NADA continuously warns athletes to avoid doping and adhere to strict regulations.
