NADA Suspends Manju Bala and Other Athletes in Major Anti-Doping Action

India’s hammer thrower Manju Bala, a 2014 Asian Games bronze medallist, has been suspended for five years after testing positive for banned substances, including anabolic steroids and selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMS). The Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel (ADDP) confirmed the decision, marking a significant moment in India’s ongoing battle against doping in sports.

NADA Suspends Manju Bala and Other Athletes in Major Anti-Doping Action

Details of the Doping Violation

Manju Bala tested positive for dehydrochloromethyl-testosterone and SARMS LGD-4033 during a routine anti-doping test conducted in 2024. The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) confirmed her violation in September 2024.

The five-year ban officially takes effect from July 10, 2024, following the panel’s ruling issued on October 15, 2025. The suspension sidelines her from upcoming national and international competitions, marking a major setback in her athletic career. Bala had earlier brought pride to India with a bronze medal at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games.

Other Athletes Sanctioned

The anti-doping review extended beyond Bala, affecting several other Indian athletes:

Mohan Saini – 4-year ban (from October 14, 2025)
Gopala Krishnan, Amit Kumar, Rajvardhan Sanjay Waskar – 6-year bans each (bodybuilders)
Shubham Mahara – 4-year ban
Sumit (Boxer) – 2-year ban
Nitin Verma (Canoeist) – 4-year ban
Shivendra Pandey (Basketball) – 6-year ban

These sanctions reflect a growing crackdown on doping across various sporting disciplines in India.

NADA’s Zero-Tolerance Policy

The Anti-Doping Appeal Panel also upheld a four-year ban on sprinter Himani Chandel, reaffirming India’s zero-tolerance policy against doping. The National Anti-Doping Agency has intensified testing and monitoring procedures, aiming to restore public trust and uphold integrity in athletics.

Officials emphasised that strict enforcement of rules and expanded testing will help discourage the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) among athletes.

Impact on Indian Athletics

This series of bans has sparked renewed discussion about the need for:

Better awareness of banned substances among athletes.
Educational programmes to promote clean sportsmanship.
Stronger monitoring systems and stricter enforcement.

The case of Manju Bala serves as a warning for all athletes that any attempt to gain an unfair advantage can have career-ending consequences. It also underlines India’s commitment to maintaining fairness in sports at all levels.

Exam-Oriented Notes

Athlete: Manju Bala (Hammer Thrower, 2014 Asian Games bronze medallist)
Ban Duration: 5 years (effective from July 10, 2024)
Banned Substances: Dehydrochloromethyl-testosterone and SARMS LGD-4033
Authority: Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel (ADDP), confirmed by NADA
Other Sanctions: Mohan Saini (4 years), Himani Chandel (4 years), and others received bans from 2–6 years
Focus: India’s strong anti-doping enforcement and athlete awareness

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Question & Answer

Q1. Who among the following Indian athletes received a five-year ban for doping in 2025?
(a) Himani Chandel
(b) Manju Bala
(c) Mohan Saini
(d) Rajvardhan Waskar
Answer: Manju Bala

Q2. Manju Bala tested positive for which banned substances?
(a) Erythropoietin and HGH
(b) Dehydrochloromethyl-testosterone and SARMS LGD-4033
(c) Methandienone and Nandrolone
(d) Stanozolol and Trenbolone
Answer: Dehydrochloromethyl-testosterone and SARMS LGD-4033

Q3. Which agency confirmed Manju Bala’s doping violation?
(a) BCCI
(b) AIU
(c) NADA
(d) WADA
Answer: NADA

Q4. When will Manju Bala’s five-year ban take effect from?
(a) March 1, 2025
(b) October 15, 2025
(c) July 10, 2024
(d) June 5, 2024
Answer: July 10, 2024

Q5. Who received a four-year doping ban along with Manju Bala?
(a) Shubham Mahara
(b) Himani Chandel
(c) Nitin Verma
(d) Mohan Saini
Answer: Himani Chandel

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