Former Asian Games champion Seema Punia faces 16-month suspension over doping breach

Former Asian Games discus throw champion Seema Punia has been suspended for 16 months after failing a dope test, according to the latest list of offenders released by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). The ban came into effect on November 10, the date of the Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel’s decision. NADA did not disclose the substance involved.

Punia, 42, has two earlier doping violations, including one at the junior level at the age of 17. Her most recent appearance was at the Hangzhou Asian Games in October 2023, where she won a bronze medal. She had indicated she may retire after the 2024 Paris Olympics, but she could not qualify.

Over a career spanning more than two decades, Punia competed in four Olympics and five Commonwealth Games, winning four CWG medals, including three silvers. Her only Asian Games gold came in the 2014 Incheon edition. She also won a bronze in 2018 and had secured a junior world championships bronze in 2002. Her personal best throw of 64.84m was recorded in 2004.


She worked as a coach for para javelin thrower Sandeep Chaudhary earlier this year when he won a silver medal at the World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi.

NADA’s updated list also shows suspensions for several other athletes. Distance runner Pooja Yadav has received a four-year ban. Shot putter Manjeet Kumar has been suspended for six years, while middle-distance runner Nikesh Dhanraj Rathod has been banned for four years. Marathon runner Kuldeep Singh and steeplechaser Chhavi Yadav have also been suspended for four years for separate violations.

(With inputs from PTI)