India's top javelin-thrower Kang fails dope-test; may get four-year ban
Top Indian javelin thrower Davinder Singh Kang has been suspended provisionally by the world athletics governing body after he returned positive for a steroid in an out-of-competition test last week. The 29-year-old Kang's dope sample was found to contain a banned steroid; he now faces the prospect of being banned for four years. In that case, his career could well be over. Here's more.
Kang's out of Indian Grand Prix
Kang's dope failure was intimated to the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) by the IAAF yesterday, and his name was immediately removed from the starting line-up of men's javelin throw at the Indian Grand Prix held at NIS Patiala.
Athlete's sample taken by AIU officials last week
Kang's dope sample was taken by the officials of the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), the IAAF's new anti-doping body which started operations last year, four days ago in Patiala. The AIU officials tested Kang at a time prescribed by him under the "whereabouts" clause of the WADA Code as he is one of the five Indian athletes placed in the IAAF Registered Testing Pool.
Kang is now provisionally suspended: An Official
"The athlete (Kang) gave the timing-window of 10am to 11am on that particular day in his 'whereabouts' information. The AIU people came to Patiala and took his sample and that contained a banned steroid. He is now provisionally suspended," an AFI official from Patiala said.
Kang tested positive for marijuana last year
Last year, the Punjab athlete had also tested positive for marijuana, traces of which were found in his urine sample collected by National Anti-Doping Agency officials during an Indian Grand Prix event on May 15. Kang wasn't suspended by the NADA at that time, since marijuana falls under the "specified substance" category in the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) prohibited list of the performance-enhancing drugs.
First Indian to reach javelin throw final in world championship
Kang took part in the 2017 World Championships in London and became the first Indian to reach the javelin throw final round in a World Championship. He was training under German legend Uwe Hohn at NIS Patiala, preparing for the Commonwealth and the Asian Games. This latest case though has nothing to do with NADA and his earlier marijuana case.
IAAF to deal with the latest case
"This (latest) case (against Kang) will be dealt by the IAAF only. He will have to present his case in front of the AIU, an independent body set up by the IAAF," the AFI official said.
