In April 2015 the International Federation of Rowing Associations (FISA) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Athlete Sawarn Singh after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substance terbutaline. After notification the Athlete filed a statement in his defence and he did not attend the hearing of the FISA Doping Hearing Panel.
The Athlete submitted with evidence that he suffered from jaundice, malaria, coughs and cold and high fever. A local doctor in his home town visited him on in February 2015 and prescribed him various medications one of which was a cough medicine which contained terbutaline. The Athlete also mentioned his medication on the Doping Control Form.
The Panel concludes that the Athlete was unaware that he was taking a banned substance, under advice from his local doctor. He did not check the prescribed medication before using and could have obtained a TUE for the medication. There is no evidence of an intention to take the substance to enhance performance.
With no significant fault or negligence the FISA Doping Hearing Panel decides on 6 August 2015 to impose a 1 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete starting on the date of the sample collection, i.e. on 19 February 2015.
