In September 2021 the India National Anti-Doping Agency (INADA) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the canoe Athlete Atul Kumar after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substance Higenamine. After notification the Athlete was heard for the Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel of India (ADDPI).
The Athlete denied the intentional use of the substance and requested for a reduced sanction. He claimed that the supplements he had used were the source of the positive test. He asserted that he had checked the products on the internet and blaimed the manufacturer for wrong information on their website.
INADO contended that Athlete participated in national and in international competitions and was tested before without issues Yet, he failed to mention his supplements on the Doping Control Form nor consulted his coach, doctor or other experts about the safety of his supplelents.
The Panel finds that the presence of a prohibited substance has been established in the Athlete's sample and accordingly that he committed an anti-doping rule violation. The Panel concludes that the violation was not intentional and that Athlete acted negligently regarding the supplement he had used.
Therefore the ADDPI decides on 12 April 2022 to impose a 2 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete, starting on the date of the decision.
