Indian para-powerlifter Sachin Chaudhary banned for eight years following second anti-doping violation

Indian para-powerlifter Sachin Chaudhary, a bronze medalist at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, has been handed an eight-year ban after committing a second anti-doping rule violation. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) confirmed in a statement on Wednesday (November 13) that Chaudhary breached the IPC’s Anti-Doping Code for a second time, leading to his extended ineligibility from the sport.

This decision marks a significant setback for the 41-year-old athlete and highlights the seriousness with which anti-doping regulations are enforced in international competitions.

Sachin Chaudhary’s infraction stemmed from a urine sample provided during the men’s up to 97 kg event at the Tbilisi 2021 Para Powerlifting Senior World Championships on December 4, 2021. Analysis of the sample revealed the presence of two prohibited substances: metandienone, an anabolic androgenic steroid, and strychnine, a stimulant.

Both substances are listed on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) 2021 Prohibited List, under class S1.1 Anabolic Androgenic Steroids and class S6 Stimulants.

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Sachin Chaudhary's provisional suspension and continued breach

Following the detection of these substances, the IPC provisionally suspended Sachin Chaudhary on January 31, 2022, pending the case's resolution. However, the IPC’s investigation revealed that Chaudhary had violated the terms of his suspension by continuing to coach other athletes, thus breaching Article 10.14.1 of the IPC IF Rules, which stipulates adherence to suspension terms.

The IPC further clarified that Chaudhary's period of ineligibility officially commenced on August 21, 2024.

“For the purpose of Article 10.13 of the IPC IF Rules, August 21, 2024, is the date on which the period of ineligibility in this case was deemed to have been accepted or otherwise imposed. As a result of his violation, the athlete will be ineligible for competition and other sporting activities (other than authorised anti-doping education or rehabilitation programmes) for eight years from August 21, 2024, until August 20, 2032," the statement read (as reported by News18).

Consequently, Chaudhary is barred from all competitive and sporting activities until August 20, 2032, with exceptions only for authorized anti-doping education or rehabilitation programs.

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Disqualification of results and loss of medals

Sachin Chaudhary’s results in the men’s up to 97 kg event at the Tbilisi 2021 Championships have been nullified, including any medals, points, or prizes.

Additionally, all results obtained by Chaudhary from December 4, 2021, when the sample was collected, until August 21, 2024, are disqualified. This measure means Chaudhary must forfeit any awards or points achieved during this period.

Under anti-doping rules, an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) occurs if any prohibited substance is detected in an athlete’s bodily specimen, regardless of intent or negligence.

In Chaudhary’s case, this violation enforces a strict consequence, rendering him ineligible for competition and any related sporting activity for the eight-year period from August 21, 2024, to August 20, 2032.