What’s the story?
Indian international goalkeeper Subrata Pal has decided to structure and defend his A sample case rather than going for the B sample test. Unlike the A sample tests which the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) conducts, the B sample tests are carried out in the presence of an independent observer.
Pal didn’t arrive at the NADA headquarters in New Delhi yesterday to run the crucial B sample tests, and it is believed the experienced shot-stopper will defend his case on his sample A results to a specially appointed panel at the NADA.
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The context
Pal, who is an Arjuna Awardee, was tested positive for a banned drug while on international duty in March. The DSK Shivajians custodian failed a dope test conducted by the NADA on 18th March, a day before the Indian team flew to Cambodia for a friendly fixture.
It was widely reported that the banned substance for which Pal tested positive is Terbutaline, a drug used in asthma and respiratory conditions for instant relief which is in World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of banned substances. The reports from NADA went public last week, and Pal had until 1st May to get his B sample tested.
The heart of the matter
Instead of having his B sample tested, the 30-year-old will now structure his defense along the lines of his A sample test. Pal maintains that the Indian national team’s doctor prescribed him the drug. He took Terbutaline as part of a cough syrup.
According to reports, NADA officials, who had an informal meeting with Pal and the doctor, have requested the goalkeeper to frame his case along the lines of the medicinal uses of Terbutaline.
What’s next?
Pal will face suspension should he lose his case around his A sample. The clause of Therapeutic Usage Exemption (TUE), which is a check to ensure a sportsman’s medication prescriptions are taken into account, in the doping rule book might still come to Pal’s aid, but before an official hearing is scheduled, he is provisionally suspended by NADA.
Author’s take
Pal’s transgressions are yet to be proved, but his decision to stick with his A sample and structure his case with it rather than going for another round of testing shows that he is confident of coming out clean. That said, it is not yet clear what turn events take as time passes.
