Asian Games: Steeplechase runner Naveen Dagar fails dope test; suspended

India’s preparation for the upcoming Asian Games took a huge jolt after steeplechase runner Naveen Dagar was suspended by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) for testing positive in an In-Competition (IC) dope test conducted by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA).

Dagar, who won a bronze in the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, tested positive for the banned substance Meldonium during the Inter-State meet in Guwahati. He had breached the Asian Games qualifying mark of 8.41 seconds in the same meet.

“AFI has suspended Dagar, who was undergoing high altitude training with other middle and long distance runners in Bhutan. He has tested positive for Meldonium. He is now awaiting his B sample report,” a source close to the athlete told PTI on Thursday.

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Reportedly, Dagar was handed a provisional suspension on July 23 after he failed in the drug test conducted by NADA.

Earlier, Javelin thrower Amit Kumar, who had won a bronze at the Guwahati meet also tested positive for a banned substance during the “Out Of Competition” (OOC) test conducted in Finland by the Athletes Integrity Unit (AIU).

Also Read: Javelin thrower Amit Kumar suspended for doping charges

Both the suspensions coming at a crucial juncture with just 15 days left for the Asian Games, has certainly hampered the preparation of other athletes in the training camps in Bhutan and Finland.

Dagar’s suspension also means that India will now go unrepresented in the 300m steeplechase race in Jakarta and Palembang, where the Asian Games is slated to take place from August 18.

A 524-member contingent of Athletes has been selected by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) for the Asian Games.  These athletes 277 of whom are men will compete in 36 disciplines.