In November 2022 the India National Anti-Doping Agency (INADA) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Athlete Richa Bhadauriya for her evasion of Doping Control in August 2022.
The Doping Control Officer at the championship reported that when he attempted to notify the Athlete she dissappeared from the venue. Thereupon phone calls to her mobile number and calls at the event to contact the Athlete were unsuccesful.
Following notification a provisional suspension was ordered. The Athlete filed a statement in her defence and she was heard for the Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel of India (ADDPI).
The Athlete denied that she was notified by the DCO and alleged that she suffered from breathing problems at the competition and thereafter underwent treatment in a hospital.
The Panel determines that the Athlete indeed underwent treatment in a hospital. Yet, this treatment was for her menstrual cramps and not for her alleged breathing problems. In view of the evidence the Panel concludes that the Athlete intentionally had evaded doping control without grounds for a reduced sanction.
Therefore the Panel decides on 21 March 2023 to impose a 4 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete, starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 3 August 2022.
