Varsha Tekam Doping Ban: Indian Athlete Banned for Three Years for Evading Test
Varsha Tekam Doping Ban: In a significant anti-doping enforcement action, the Varsha Tekam doping ban has been formally confirmed by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU). A three-year period of ineligibility has been imposed on the Indian long-distance runner for evading doping control procedures following her podium finish at the Bajaj Allianz Pune Half Marathon held on 15 December 2024. The ruling, which is final and binding subject to appeal, marks a critical development in the ongoing global effort to uphold the integrity of athletics through rigorous enforcement of anti-doping regulations.
Violation of Anti-Doping Rules
The Varsha Tekam doping ban was initiated based on a clear violation of Rule 2.3 of the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules (ADR), which prohibits any athlete from evading, refusing, or failing to submit to sample collection unless they can demonstrate compelling justification.
Ms. Tekam finished third in the women’s category at the Pune Half Marathon and was selected for In-Competition Testing immediately upon the conclusion of the race. She was duly notified by a Doping Control Officer (DCO), who maintained observation of her at the post-race area. However, the athlete allegedly requested to collect water and briefly interacted with others. In the interval that followed, she disappeared into a crowd, breaking visual contact with the DCO.
Despite multiple attempts by race officials—including public announcements and direct calls—she could not be located. It was later found that she had also checked out of her hotel room earlier that day. No sample was collected.
Disciplinary Proceedings and Admission
On 20 May 2025, the AIU issued a Notice of Allegation against Ms. Tekam, charging her with a violation and imposing a provisional suspension. The athlete was informed of her rights, including the option to admit the violation within 20 days for a reduction in the sanction under Rule 10.8.1 ADR.
On 3 June 2025, Ms. Tekam submitted a signed admission and accepted the proposed consequences. Based on this early acceptance, a one-year reduction was granted from the standard four-year sanction. The Varsha Tekam doping ban was thus finalised without the need for further adjudication.
Sanction Imposed
The following sanctions were imposed as part of the Varsha Tekam doping ban:
- A three-year period of ineligibility, starting from 20 May 2025.
- Disqualification of all competitive results on and after 15 December 2024, including forfeiture of titles, medals, prize money, points, and rankings.
Ms. Tekam also waived her right to a hearing before the Disciplinary Tribunal, allowing the AIU to finalise the case promptly.
Complete Case decision: Varsha Tekam Doping Ban
Public Disclosure and Right to Appeal
In accordance with Rule 8.5.6(b) ADR, the AIU has made the Varsha Tekam doping ban publicly available. While the decision is now final, it remains subject to appeal under Rule 13.2.3 ADR.
Both the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the National Anti-Doping Agency of India (NADA) may file an appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne. In such case, Ms. Tekam would be permitted to submit a cross-appeal under Rule 13.2.4 ADR.
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Broader Implications
The Varsha Tekam doping ban reinforces the AIU’s zero-tolerance approach to anti-doping violations. Evasion of sample collection is viewed with the same seriousness as a direct positive test for prohibited substances, as it undermines the principle of fair play.
As a result of this decision, Ms. Tekam is disqualified from all events under the authority of World Athletics and affiliated organisations until May 2028. The Varsha Tekam doping ban is a clear message to the global athletics community: compliance with doping control protocols is mandatory, and any breach—whether by evasion or otherwise—will carry serious and lasting consequences.
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