India is fighting to save one of the four places at the Paris Olympics it has earned in boxing after it emerged that the World Championships and Asian Games medalist was charged with violating anti-doping rules.
The International Testing Agency (ITA), which oversees the anti-doping program for boxing at the Olympic Games, alleged that the boxer in question had failed to provide details of her whereabouts in accordance with World Anti-Doping Agency regulations. The alleged violation occurred last year before the Asian Games.
Under WADA rules, athletes must disclose their home address, training information and location, competition schedule and regular in-person activities to the anti-doping agency, which may conduct surprise out-of-competition visits and tests. Failure to meet this condition or even providing incomplete data may result in suspension for a period of up to two years.
The boxer in question is one of India’s top names and has podium finishes at the World Championships and Asian Championships, apart from last year’s Asian Games, where he managed to clinch the Olympic quota.
However, if the ITA decides to sanction the boxer, India may lose their place as per the rules. Boxing Federation of India secretary general Hemanta Kalita said she is in talks with the world body and is trying to present forceful arguments in defense of the boxer.
“No amount has been withdrawn from India so far. We are working strenuous to maintain this limit,” Kalita told The Indian Express. “We have submitted our responses and talks are ongoing. “No decision has been made yet, but we are trying to make sure the quota is maintained.”
Sports lawyer Vidushpat Singhania, who represents the boxer, said they were “in talks with ITA about the situation,” without providing further details.
Asked about the status of the case and whether India would have to waive the quota, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) – which runs the boxing events at the Olympics – said: “Since anti-doping issues have been made independent of the IOC, we are referring you to ITA and WADA.”
WADA said “these questions will be directed to the appropriate results management body”, pointing to ITA, which did not respond to an emailed questionnaire.
Four Indian boxers have so far qualified for the Olympics, which begin on July 26 – Nikhat Zareen (flyweight), Preeti Sai Pawar (bantamweight), Parveen Hooda (featherweight) and Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Lovlina Borgohain (middleweight). The final qualifying tournament for the Olympic Games will start on May 25 in Bangkok.
The boxer accused of violating anti-doping rules has not stepped into the ring since her medal round at the Asian Games last October, even though the other fighters routinely competed abroad.
In fact, she stayed in India at the last minute, even though her name was on the list of the Elorda Cup competition currently taking place in Kazakhstan.
However, she was constantly present at the camps and went with the rest of the team on international training internships. “She is still part of our program and we are keeping her in a secure zone to keep her sane if the decision comes down in her favor,” a team official said.
