In June 2023 the India National Anti-Doping Agency (INADA) reported an anti-doping rule violation against the fencer Radhika Prakash Awati after her sample tested positive for the prohibited substance Methylprednisolone.
Following notification a provisional suspension was ordered, yet not accepted by the Athlete. She filed a statement in her defence and was heard for the Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel of India (ADDPI).
The Athlete accepted the test result and denied the intentional use of the substance. She stated that she underwent treatment for her diagnosed condition and had used prescribed medication which she had mentioned this on the Doping Control Form.
Previously In June 2023 the Athlete had applied for a retrospective TUE for her medication. However this TUE application was rejected in May 2023 and again rejected in July 2023 following the Athlete's appeal.
On both occasions the TUE Committees deemed that the application was incomplete and the filed prescriptions insufficient. Also the Athlete's doctor was deemed not qualified and the medical treatment inappropriate.
The Panel finds that the presence of a prohibited substance has been established in the Athlete's sample and accordingly that she committed an anti-doping rule violation.
In view of the Athlete's conduct the Panel concludes that the violation was not intentional and that she had acted with a degree of negligence. Further the Panel considers that the she had not accepted the Provisional Suspension.
Therefore the Panel decides on 17 August 2023 to impose a 15 month period of ineligibility on the Athlete, starting on the date of the decision.
