In July 2020 the India National Anti-Doping Agency (INADA) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the cricket player Anshula Rao after her sample tested positive for the prohibited substance 19-norandrosterone (Nandrolone).
After notification a provisional suspension was ordered. The Athlete filed a statement in her defence and was heard for the Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel of India (ADDPI).
The Athlete denied the intentional use of the substance and could not explain how the substance had entered her system. She argued that the 4 month delay in the Notification prevented her to find the source of the Nandrolone.
The Athlete disputed the irregularities she had established regarding the A sample documentation package, the chain of custody and the sample collection procedure. Further she complained that she could not perform analysis of the B sample because of the costs (€ 1500,-), In additions she could not attend the opening op de B sample in the Ghent Lab whereas there were the COVID-19 restrictions to travel.
The Panel considered the Athletes assertions and concludes that she failed to demonstrate any departure of the ISTI regarding the documentation package, the chain of custody and the sample collection procedure. The Panel also finds that there had been no unreasonable delays in the Ghent Lab before Notification.
The Panel agrees that the intended analysis of the Athlete's B sample was prevented because of the costs and is displeased that INADA has no provisions for financial assistance in this matter.
Finally The Panel finds that the presence of a prohibited substance has been established in the Athlete's sample and accordingly that the she committed an anti-doping rule violation. The Panel deems that she failed to explain how the substance entered her system and concludes that she had used the substance knowingly and intentionally.
Therefore the Anti-Doping Discipinary Panel of India decides on 31 May 2021 to impose a 4 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete, starting on the date of the provisional suspension.
