Asian Games Medallist Manju Bala Receives Five-Year Doping Ban

India’s hammer thrower and 2014 Asian Games bronze medallist Manju Bala has been handed a five-year suspension for violating anti-doping regulations. The decision, issued by the Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel (ADDP), follows her positive test for banned substances, including anabolic steroids and selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMS).

Details of the Doping Violation

Manju Bala tested positive for dehydrochloromethyl-testosterone and SARMS LGD-4033 during a routine test conducted in 2024. The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) confirmed her violation in September last year. The suspension will take effect from July 10, 2024, following the panel’s ruling on October 15, 2025. Bala, who brought home a bronze medal from the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, now faces a career setback as her ban rules her out of upcoming major competitions.

Other Athletes Sanctioned

The latest anti-doping review also penalised several Indian athletes across various disciplines. Mohan Saini received a four-year ban starting October 14, 2025. Three bodybuilders — Gopala Krishnan, Amit Kumar, and Rajvardhan Sanjay Waskar — were each handed six-year suspensions, while Shubham Mahara received a four-year ban. Boxer Sumit faced a two-year penalty, canoeist Nitin Verma was suspended for four years, and basketball player Shivendra Pandey received a six-year ban for similar offences.

Wider Doping Crackdown in Indian Sports

The Anti-Doping Appeal Panel also upheld a four-year ban for sprinter Himani Chandel, reinforcing India’s intensified effort to maintain fairness and integrity in sports. The NADA’s recent string of sanctions demonstrates a zero-tolerance approach towards the use of performance-enhancing drugs, as the agency seeks to restore public confidence and ensure clean athletic competition on international platforms.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Manju Bala received a five-year doping ban starting from July 10, 2024.
• She tested positive for dehydrochloromethyl-testosterone and SARMS LGD-4033.
• Other athletes, including Mohan Saini and several bodybuilders, also faced bans ranging from two to six years.
• The Anti-Doping Appeal Panel upheld a four-year ban for sprinter Himani Chandel.

Impact on Indian Athletics and Future Monitoring

The bans have renewed discussions on the need for stronger awareness, testing, and education among Indian athletes regarding prohibited substances. Sports authorities are expected to expand anti-doping education programmes and strengthen monitoring systems. The latest decisions serve as a warning against unethical practices while reaffirming India’s commitment to maintaining integrity in competitive sports.