New Delhi, February 22 Four Indian athletes have received reduced bans from the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) after admitting their offense and accepting the sanction.
Himanshu Rathi, Basanti Kumari, and Shashi Bhushan Singh were given three-year bans – a reduction of one year – after admitting their offense within 20 days of being charged, according to the latest update from NADA.
Meanwhile, Balvindra Singh was given a five-year ban, starting from September 19, 2025.
Middle-distance runner Rathi was provisionally suspended after testing positive for the stimulant mephentermine in 2025. His three-year ban began on November 20, 2025.
The 24-year-old Kumari, a distance runner who participated in the 2025 World University Games in the half marathon, tested positive for 19-norandrosterone. Kumari's ban began on November 7, 2025.
The 30-year-old Bhushan won a silver medal in the 1500m event at the 2023 National Games in Goa. His three-year ban period began on September 19, 2025.
Athletes may receive reduced bans under the "case resolution agreement" provided in Article 10.8 and 8.3 of the NADA Anti-Doping Rules 2021.
The maximum ban period for a first offense is four years, but Article 10.8 of the NADA Rules provides for "results management agreements" under which athletes can receive reduced punishment based on early admission and acceptance of the sanction.