American sprinter and 2022 World Championships 100m silver medallist Marvin Bracy-Williams has been handed a 12-year period of ineligibility by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) following his third anti-doping rule violation, effectively bringing an end to his competitive athletics career.

USADA announced that Bracy-Williams committed three whereabouts failures within a 12-month period while he was part of its Registered Testing Pool. The missed filings or testing failures occurred on July 1, 2025, February 24, 2026, and April 1, 2026.

Under anti-doping regulations, three whereabouts failures within a 12-month period constitute an anti-doping rule violation. While a first whereabouts violation typically carries a sanction of between one and two years, repeat offences attract significantly harsher penalties.

Because this was Bracy-Williams’ third anti-doping rule violation, the applicable rules required a sanction ranging from eight years to a lifetime ban. After reviewing the circumstances of the case, USADA determined that a 12-year suspension was the appropriate penalty.

The sanction will run consecutively to sanctions imposed for his previous anti-doping violations, further extending the period during which he will remain ineligible to compete.

USADA also noted that Bracy-Williams informed the agency of his intention to retire from competitive sport on June 5, 2026. Despite his retirement plans, the lengthy ban remains on record and effectively closes the door on any potential return to elite competition.

Bracy-Williams enjoyed a successful sprinting career highlighted by his silver medal in the men’s 100m at the 2022 World Athletics Championships. Known for his explosive starts, he was among the world’s leading sprinters during the early 2020s.

His most recent appearance came at the Enhanced Games, where he clocked 10.39 seconds in the 100m. However, with the latest sanction now in place, the 31-year-old’s athletics career appears to have reached its conclusion.

The case serves as another reminder of the strict obligations placed on elite athletes in registered testing pools, where failures to accurately report whereabouts information can carry the same anti-doping consequences as a positive test for a banned substance.

India’s sprint stars will return to international action this week as a strong contingent prepares to compete at the New Taipei City Athletics Open 2026 in Chinese Taipei on June 6-7.

 

The World Athletics Continental Tour Silver meet is expected to provide valuable ranking points and high-quality competition, with India’s men’s and women’s 4x100m relay teams among the headline attractions.

 

All eyes will be on Gurindervir Singh, who recently rewrote the Indian men’s 100m national record and arrives in Chinese Taipei as one of the country’s most in-form sprinters. He will be joined in the men’s 100m by Pranav Gurav, Harsh Raut and Ragul, while national 200m record holder Animesh Kujur is entered in his preferred event.

 

India’s sprint depth will also be on display in the women’s 100m, where experienced campaigner Srabani Nanda leads a field that includes Nithya Gandhe, Tammana, Sudheshna Shivankar and S.S. Sneha.

 

National record holder Tejas Shirse, who has emerged as one of India’s brightest hurdles prospects, is also entered in the men’s 110m hurdles and will be looking to continue his strong run of form on the international circuit.

 

The meet carries additional significance this year after being upgraded from a Continental Tour Bronze event to Silver status. The elevation means a stronger field, greater ranking opportunities and stricter World Athletics requirements, including the presence of multiple athletes ranked among the world’s top 100.

 

India will arrive with confidence, having dominated the previous edition of the competition in 2025. The team topped the medal standings with an impressive haul of 16 medals, including 12 gold medals.

 

The relay teams were among the biggest success stories. The men’s 4x100m quartet of Gurindervir Singh, Animesh Kujur, Manikanta Hoblidhar and Amlan Borgohain stormed to gold in 38.75 seconds, while the women’s team of Sudheeksha V, Sneha S S, Abinaya Rajarajan and Nithya Gandhe claimed gold in a championship-record 44.07 seconds.

 

India’s dominance extended across multiple disciplines. Jyothi Yarraji and Tejas Shirse won the sprint hurdles titles, Abdulla Aboobacker triumphed in the triple jump, while Pooja completed a middle-distance double by winning both the women’s 800m and 1500m. Krishan Kumar added another gold in the men’s 800m, while Annu Rani and Rohit Yadav secured victories in the javelin throw events. Vithya Ramraj also struck gold in the women’s 400m hurdles.

 

With several members of that successful squad returning, India will be aiming not only to defend its relay titles but also to continue building momentum ahead of a crucial international season.

 

For athletes such as Gurindervir Singh, Animesh Kujur and Tejas Shirse, the New Taipei City Athletics Open represents another opportunity to test themselves against quality international opposition. For the relay teams, it is a chance to reaffirm India’s growing reputation as one of Asia’s sprinting powers.

 

After topping the medal table a year ago, India heads to Chinese Taipei with expectations—and ambitions—higher than ever.

When Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage spoke to us in October 2025, he was already one of Asia’s most promising javelin throwers. He had broken Sri Lanka’s national record, won medals across the region and was steadily inching towards the sport’s elite.

But even then, the 22-year-old still carried traces of another sporting life.

“My first sport was cricket,” Pathirage told us. “But when I switched to discus and javelin, I felt like I’d found what I was meant to do.”

At the time, the story seemed remarkable enough. A teenager who once bowled at 134 kmph for St Peter’s College, Colombo, had traded cricket whites for a javelin runway and was rapidly emerging as Sri Lanka’s next athletics star.

Looking back now, after his stunning world-leading throw of 92.62m at the Rome Diamond League, those words seem almost prophetic.

The journey began in Kalutara, where Pathirage dreamed not of Olympic medals but of representing Sri Lanka in cricket. At 17, he was already making headlines as a fast bowler capable of generating serious pace. Yet a switch of schools altered the course of his career. He moved into athletics, first competing in discus before discovering that the javelin offered the perfect outlet for his explosive arm speed and competitive instincts.

In our October conversation, he joked that his move away from cricket had worked out rather well.

It was, as he described it, “cricket’s loss and javelin’s gain.”

The results soon backed up the sentiment.

By October, Pathirage had already thrown 86.50m in Bhubaneswar and collected medals across South Asia. India, in particular, seemed to bring out the best in him.

“Every time I compete in India, I perform well,” he told us with a smile. “Maybe India really is lucky for me.”

At that stage, his focus was straightforward. Consistency first. Bigger distances later.

“Last year, I averaged 77m. Now it’s 84–86m,” he said. “I’m working on my final phase. I want to stay consistent and go higher.”

Six months later, when we spoke to him again after his astonishing 89.37m throw in Diyagama, the progression was impossible to ignore. The throw not only established a new Sri Lankan record but also briefly made him the world leader for the 2026 season.

Yet Pathirage’s reaction remained strikingly understated.

“Did I expect this so early? No, not really,” he told us. “My goal was just to improve my season best by a few meters.”

While the athletics world was beginning to talk about the magical 90-metre barrier, Pathirage remained obsessed with something much less glamorous.

The basics.

“After every success, I set a new target,” he explained. “My coach tells me to focus on basics. If you do that, results come automatically.”

Even when asked directly about crossing 90 metres, he refused to get carried away.

“Who knows? The season is still young. Let’s see.”

As it turned out, the wait wasn’t very long.

On Thursday night in Rome, Pathirage unleashed a mammoth 92.62m throw, becoming only the second Asian in history after Arshad Nadeem to cross the 92-metre mark. The effort elevated him into the upper reaches of the all-time world rankings and firmly established him as one of the favourites for the major championships ahead.

Yet perhaps the most revealing quote from our conversations with him had nothing to do with records or medals.

“When I improve by one centimeter,” Pathirage said in April, “my nation moves forward by one centimeter.”

It is a simple philosophy, but one that neatly explains his rise. While others chase milestones, Pathirage chases incremental progress. One training session. One technical adjustment. One centimetre at a time.

And somewhere between those centimetres, a former fast bowler from Kalutara became one of the best javelin throwers on the planet.

Cricket’s loss, it turns out, has been javelin’s gain.

India’s next generation of track and field stars is ready for its biggest continental test yet.
A talented 54-member Indian squad featuring some of the country’s most exciting young athletes will head to Ordos, China, for the inaugural Asian U23 Athletics Championships from July 9 to 12, carrying both medal hopes and the promise of the future.
The team blends proven international performers with emerging talents who have been making waves on the domestic circuit, setting up what could be a significant moment for Indian athletics.
Among the biggest attractions will be long jumper Shaili Singh, one of India’s most recognisable young athletics stars. The Uttar Pradesh athlete burst onto the global stage with a silver medal at the 2021 World U20 Championships and has since established herself at the senior level. With a personal best of 6.76m, the national U20 record holder enters the competition as one of India’s strongest medal contenders.
Another athlete expected to be in the spotlight is race walker Aarti, who captured a bronze medal at the 2024 World U20 Championships in Lima. The Haryana athlete will step up to compete in the women’s 21km race walk, aiming to add another international medal to her growing collection.
The men’s squad is equally loaded with talent.
Madhya Pradesh pole vaulters Dev Meena and Kuldeep Kumar, who jointly hold the national record at 5.45m, will spearhead India’s challenge in one of the most competitive field events. Both athletes have consistently pushed Indian pole vaulting to new heights and will be eager to make their mark on the continental stage.
Rising steeplechase runner Sharuk Khan has emerged as another athlete to watch. The Uttar Pradesh distance specialist has steadily built a reputation as one of the country’s brightest endurance prospects and will look to challenge Asia’s best in the gruelling 3,000m steeplechase.
India’s javelin tradition will also be represented by Maharashtra’s Shivam Lohakare, who arrives in China hoping to continue the country’s rich legacy in the event that has captured the imagination of Indian sports fans in recent years.

 

The squad features strength across disciplines, from sprint relays and middle-distance races to jumps, throws, race walks and combined events, reflecting the growing depth of Indian athletics.
Athletics Federation of India President Bahadur Singh Sagoo believes the young Indian contingent has the ability to leave a lasting impression at the championship.
“Youngsters in the national team will surely make a big impression in next month’s Asian U23 track and field meet in China,” Sagoo said.
The Asian U23 Championships will serve as a crucial platform for athletes hoping to bridge the gap between junior success and senior international competition. For many members of the Indian squad, it represents an opportunity to announce themselves on the continental stage and stake a claim for future major championships, including the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and Olympics.
With established youth stars, national record holders and a wave of emerging talent all travelling to Ordos, India will arrive in China with genuine ambitions of finishing among the championship’s leading nations.
The future of Indian athletics is heading to Ordos — and it looks brighter than ever.

For years, Asian javelin has revolved around a handful of familiar names. On a stunning night in Rome, a new one crashed into that conversation with extraordinary force.

Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage produced the throw of his life at the Diamond League, launching the javelin an astonishing 92.62 metres and sending shockwaves through world athletics.
The 23-year-old unleashed the monster throw on his second attempt, instantly rewriting history. Not only did he obliterate his previous personal best of 89.37m, but he also became just the fourth Asian athlete ever to cross the iconic 90-metre mark.
The result was spectacular: victory in Rome, a new Sri Lankan national record, and the world-leading throw of the 2026 season.
But the numbers only tell part of the story.

Pathirage’s 92.62m effort now stands as the second-longest throw ever produced by an Asian athlete, surpassed only by Pakistan’s Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem. In one breathtaking moment, the Sri Lankan leapfrogged India’s Neeraj Chopra and Chinese Taipei’s Cheng Chao-tsun on the continent’s all-time list.
The throw also vaulted him into the sport’s rarefied air. Pathirage is now the eighth-best javelin thrower in history, while his Rome effort ranks among the greatest throws ever recorded globally.

What makes the achievement even more remarkable is the speed of his rise.
Just a year ago, Pathirage was celebrating his first major breakthrough on the international stage. In 2025, he became the first Sri Lankan male javelin thrower to reach a World Championships final, finishing seventh and hinting at bigger things to come.
The signs were already there this season. Throws of 89.37m in Diyagama and 89.28m at the Kip Keino Classic suggested that something special was brewing. Rome was where all that promise exploded into reality.
The throw wasn’t just a personal best. It was a statement.
A statement that Sri Lanka has produced a genuine world-class javelin star. A statement that the race for global medals just became far more crowded. And a statement that one of athletics’ most exciting disciplines has a powerful new contender.

In a golden era dominated by giants, Rumesh Pathirage has announced himself in the loudest way possible.
One throw. 92.62 metres.
History.

The women’s 200m at the Rome Diamond League is packed with Olympic medallists, national record holders and some of the fastest women on the planet. From reigning Olympic champion Julien Alfred to sprint stars Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and Favour Ofili, the race promises fireworks on the famous Stadio Olimpico track. Here’s a closer look at the athletes to watch.

1. Julien Alfred (Saint Lucia)

Julien Alfred arrives in Rome as one of the biggest names in global sprinting. The Saint Lucian made history by winning Olympic gold in the 100m at Paris 2024, becoming her nation’s first-ever Olympic champion. Known for her explosive starts and exceptional top-end speed, Alfred has also developed into a formidable 200m runner capable of challenging the world’s best. Her rise from collegiate standout to global superstar has been remarkable, and every appearance now attracts immense attention. In Rome, she will be aiming to continue her dominance against another elite international field.

2. Melissa Jefferson-Wooden (United States)

Melissa Jefferson-Wooden has established herself as one of the United States’ most consistent sprinters in recent seasons. Renowned for her powerful acceleration and aggressive racing style, she has become a regular fixture on the Diamond League circuit. Jefferson-Wooden has enjoyed success across both the 100m and 200m, showcasing impressive versatility. Her ability to maintain speed through the final stages of a race makes her a dangerous competitor against any field. With championship ambitions firmly in sight, Rome presents another opportunity to sharpen her form against world-class opposition.

3. Favour Ofili (Nigeria)

Favour Ofili remains one of Africa’s most exciting sprint talents. The Nigerian star has produced standout performances at both collegiate and international levels, earning a reputation as a fearless competitor capable of challenging established stars. Blessed with tremendous natural speed and strength, Ofili has consistently delivered fast times over 100m and 200m. She continues to carry the hopes of Nigerian sprinting into major global competitions. A strong showing in Rome would further reinforce her status as one of the leading contenders heading into the championship season.

4. Anavia Battle (United States)

Anavia Battle has steadily built a reputation as one of America’s most reliable sprint performers. The former collegiate standout has translated domestic success into strong international results, frequently competing against the world’s elite. Battle’s strength lies in her smooth running mechanics and ability to remain composed under pressure. She has become a regular presence in high-level sprint races and continues to push towards new personal bests. The Rome Diamond League offers another valuable chance to test herself against Olympic and World Championship medallists.

5. Amy Hunt (Great Britain)

Amy Hunt has long been regarded as one of Britain’s brightest sprint prospects. After enjoying success as a junior athlete, she has gradually established herself at the senior level through strong relay performances and individual breakthroughs. Hunt possesses exceptional raw speed and has continued to mature into a consistent international competitor. Her performances in recent seasons have demonstrated growing confidence against elite opposition. Rome provides an important opportunity for the British sprinter to continue building momentum and showcase her progress on one of athletics’ biggest stages.

6. Dina Asher-Smith (Great Britain)

Dina Asher-Smith remains one of the most accomplished sprinters in British athletics history. A world champion, Olympic medallist and multiple European champion, she has spent nearly a decade competing at the highest level. The British star is particularly dangerous over 200m, where her powerful bend running and strong finish have delivered numerous international medals. Her experience and championship pedigree make her a constant threat regardless of the field. Asher-Smith arrives in Rome looking to add another strong performance as she continues her pursuit of global success.

7. Jaël Bestué (Spain)

Jaël Bestué has emerged as one of Spain’s leading sprint talents. The Spanish athlete has consistently lowered her times and become an important figure in her country’s sprint programme. Known for her technical efficiency and determination, Bestué has represented Spain at major international championships and continues to gain valuable experience against elite competition. Competing in a Diamond League field of this calibre offers a significant challenge, but it also provides an opportunity to demonstrate her continued progression on the international stage.

8. Hélène Parisot (France)

Hélène Parisot has become a key member of France’s sprinting squad through a series of strong domestic and international performances. The French athlete combines speed and resilience, making her a competitive presence in both individual and relay events. Parisot has steadily improved her standing within European sprinting and continues to seek breakthrough performances against the world’s best. Racing in Rome against Olympic champions and global medallists represents another important step in her development as she looks to establish herself among the continent’s top sprinters.

9. Elisa Valensin (Italy)

Elisa Valensin enters the Rome Diamond League as one of Italy’s most promising young sprint talents. Still early in her senior career, she has already attracted attention with impressive performances at youth and junior levels. Competing against a field filled with established global stars will provide invaluable experience for the Italian athlete. Supported by a passionate home crowd, Valensin will be looking to make the most of a rare opportunity to race some of the fastest women in the world. Rome could mark another important milestone in her development.

If you’re dreaming of representing India at the Asian Games, anti-doping education is no longer optional.

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has reiterated that athletes must complete anti-doping education before being approved to compete at the Asian Games, making it one of the most significant athlete education initiatives in world sport.

Speaking at the 2026 WADA Asia/Oceania Ministerial Intergovernmental Meeting in Beijing, the OCA highlighted the success of the programme, which has recorded compliance rates of over 97 percent at recent Asian Games events.

The initiative was first introduced ahead of the Hangzhou 2023 Asian Games, where athletes were required to complete WADA’s Anti-Doping Education and Learning (ADEL) programme before receiving participation clearance.

For athletes, the message is simple: knowing the anti-doping rules is now considered just as important as meeting qualification standards.

The OCA believes education is the first line of defence against doping violations, helping athletes understand topics such as prohibited substances, supplement risks, testing procedures and Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs).

At the Beijing meeting, OCA Director of Medical and Anti-Doping Services Nadia Al Shamali presented the organisation’s anti-doping framework, which is built around three pillars: education, prevention and testing.

With the next Asian Games cycle underway, athletes targeting continental competition are encouraged to complete their anti-doping education well in advance and stay updated on WADA regulations.

After all, talent and hard work can get you to the start line—but understanding the rules ensures you stay there.

All Times Eastern

Diamond League Rome 2026 Start Lists

Women’s Pole Vault

Men’s Javelin Throw

Men’s Triple Jump

Men’s High Jump

Women’s 400m Hurdles

Men’s Shot Put

Women’s 100m Hurdles

Men’s Long Jump

Women’s 5000m

Men’s 110m Hurdles

Women’s 400m

Women’s 200m

Women’s 1500m

Men’s 100m

The opening day of the Delhi State Open Summer Athletics Championships 2026 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium saw some strong performances across senior, U20, U18 and U16 categories. This event usually attracts athletes from neighbouring states of haryana, Punjab and UP but the first day did not see any spectacular results.

Medal Table Snapshot

Here’s a complete list of the top three finishers in every event held on June 2.

Men’s 10,000m

🥇 Gaurav Mathur (West Delhi) – 30:05.57
🥈 Rohit Kumar (South West Delhi) – 31:34.50
🥉 Ganesh (New Delhi) – 33:17.79

Women’s 10,000m

🥇 Uma Pandey (North West Delhi) – 42:56.16 (only finisher)

Men’s 400m

🥇 Tushar Manna (New Delhi) – 47.04
🥈 Arun Kumar (South West Delhi) – 48.82
🥉 Saurabh Kumar (Uttar Pradesh) – 49.69

Women’s 400m

🥇 Shireen Ahluwalia (Chandigarh) – 58.33
🥈 Priya (North West Delhi) – 1:00.27
🥉 Tiya (South Delhi) – 1:03.84

Men’s 1500m

🥇 Rahul (South West Delhi) – 3:47.46
🥈 Shailabh (West Delhi) – 3:47.54
🥉 Prakash Kumar (East Delhi) – 3:47.70

Women’s 1500m

🥇 Ruhi Bohra (Central Delhi) – 4:41.98
🥈 Sangam (South Delhi) – 4:51.89
🥉 Nishtha Mishra (New Delhi) – 4:54.94

Men’s Long Jump

🥇 Vishnu Siva Sankar (South Delhi) – 7.08m
🥈 Jayant Chaudhary (South West Delhi) – 6.82m
🥉 Ritik Kumar (Uttar Pradesh) – 6.76m

Men’s Pole Vault

🥇 Hardik Sejwal (South Delhi) – 4.00m
🥈 Mayank (Haryana) – 3.80m (only two competitors)

Men’s Discus Throw

🥇 Arjun (New Delhi) – 55.50m
🥈 Arvind Sharma (North East Delhi) – 52.11m
🥉 Aman Chauhan (Haryana) – 50.36m

Men’s Hammer Throw

🥇 Devang (North Delhi) – 63.71m
🥈 Amar Singh (North East Delhi) – 48.16m (only two competitors)

Women’s Shot Put

🥇 Srishti Vig (North West Delhi) – 16.55m
🥈 Simranjeet Kaur (North West Delhi) – 14.46m
🥉 Versha Gulia (South Delhi) – 10.67m


                                                   Boys U20

400m

🥇 Yugank Choudhary (Uttar Pradesh) – 48.24
🥈 Aryan Upadhyay (Central Delhi) – 48.28
🥉 Vaibhav Bhardwaj (Uttar Pradesh) – 48.91

1500m

🥇 Shekhar Singh Gujjar (South West Delhi) – 4:05.63
🥈 Vikrant Bhati (Uttar Pradesh) – 4:08.75
🥉 Mo. Yusuf (Uttar Pradesh) – 4:09.95

Long Jump

🥇 Jyotishman Boruah (Assam) – 6.85m
🥈 Mohit (Haryana) – 6.81m
🥉 Naman Yadav (Haryana) – 6.48m

Pole Vault

🥇 Sumit Kumar (South Delhi) – 2.90m (only competitor)

Discus Throw

🥇 Vansh (Haryana) – 52.82m
🥈 Yash Dabas (North West Delhi) – 52.29m
🥉 Ayush (Uttar Pradesh) – 48.24m


                                                     Boys U18

400m

🥇 Dev Khaiwal (Uttar Pradesh) – 49.51
🥈 Aditya (Haryana) – 49.56
🥉 Manvit Gahlot (Haryana) – 50.59

1000m

🥇 Satyam Gautam (East Delhi) – 2:33.42
🥈 Abhishek Kumar (Bihar) – 2:35.38
🥉 Nitin Kumar (South Delhi) – 2:35.75

High Jump

🥇 Naitik Kumar (South West Delhi) – 1.78m
🥈 Ginesh Bidla (Central Delhi) – 1.78m
🥉 Rajat Kumar (Uttar Pradesh) – 1.70m

Discus Throw

🥇 Dheeraj Sahu (Haryana) – 54.53m
🥈 Dev Chauhan (Haryana) – 52.55m
🥉 Jaivardhan Singh Bhati (Rajasthan) – 50.91m


                                                  Girls U20

400m

🥇 Riya Bisht (North West Delhi) – 58.35
🥈 Vanshika Chandila (Haryana) – 1:03.03 (only two finishers)

1500m

🥇 Saloni Dixit (South West Delhi) – 5:01.98 (only finisher)


                                                  Girls U18

400m

🥇 Manya (North Delhi) – 1:00.05
🥈 Khanak (Haryana) – 1:00.92
🥉 Kamakshi Pal (North West Delhi) – 1:01.55

1000m

🥇 Anuprati Mishra (South West Delhi) – 3:08.98
🥈 Priyanshi (East Delhi) – 3:10.90
🥉 Pratigya (Uttar Pradesh) – 3:17.99

High Jump

🥇 Madhu Bala (Haryana) – 1.40m
🥈 Hansika Saini (Uttar Pradesh) – 1.35m (only two athletes recorded)

Discus Throw

🥇 Avishka Yadav (North East Delhi) – 39.58m
🥈 Dimpy Saini (Uttar Pradesh) – 38.19m
🥉 Manya Puri (West Delhi) – 36.17m

Javelin Throw

🥇 Shreya Sharma (Uttar Pradesh) – 33.42m
🥈 Mansi Kumari (North West Delhi) – 31.65m
🥉 Nishika Baisla (South West Delhi) – 29.30m


                                                  Boys U16

Long Jump

🥇 Sandeep Gurjar (Uttar Pradesh) – 4.54m
🥈 Sujeet Kumar (Uttar Pradesh) – 4.41m
🥉 Divyanshu Yadav (Uttar Pradesh) – 4.37m

Shot Put

🥇 Abhishek Kumar (Uttar Pradesh) – 15.87m
🥈 Harsh Tomar (Uttar Pradesh) – 14.65m
🥉 Yuvraj Samdhyan (Haryana) – 14.64m

Javelin Throw

🥇 Vikash Rathee (Haryana) – 66.50m
🥈 Shivam Tomar (Uttar Pradesh) – 58.76m
🥉 Yash Mitaan (Haryana) – 57.97m


                                                  Girls U16

600m

🥇 Monika (Uttar Pradesh) – 1:38.81
🥈 Ruchika (Uttar Pradesh) – 1:41.13
🥉 Ayushi (Uttarakhand) – 1:41.18

Long Jump

🥇 Siya Malik (East Delhi) – 3.77m (joint gold)
🥇 Priyanshu, daughter of Narender (Rajasthan) – 3.77m (joint gold)
🥉 Sandhya (North West Delhi) – 3.63m

Shot Put

🥇 Urvashi Yadav (South West Delhi) – 12.10m
🥈 Gauravi Lamba (Uttar Pradesh) – 10.37m
🥉 Deepanshi Kharb (South West Delhi) – 10.34m

Javelin Throw

🥇 Harshita Tomar (Uttar Pradesh) – 35.79m
🥈 Anjali Kalwaniya (Rajasthan) – 35.54m
🥉 Ritika Khokhar (South West Delhi) – 34.52m

KM Deeksha, India’s fastest 1500m athlete, has been issued a notice after her sample showed the presence of a banned substance. However, she has not been issued a provisional suspension as reported by The Tribune.

Speaking out for the first time, the national record holder clarified that while she has received a notice regarding an adverse analytical finding, she has not been handed a provisional suspension, contrary to ongoing media reports.

“I have full confidence”

The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) issued Deeksha a notice after her sample reportedly showed the presence of stanozolol—an anabolic agent strictly prohibited under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) list.

Responding to the allegations, Deeksha clarified her current legal standing and expressed full faith in her clean record:

Bhaiya, I had applied for B-sample testing. Yesterday, I was at the NADA office for the opening of my B sample for testing. Everyone in the news started saying that I am banned. I am not banned; this is an adverse finding.

I have been an RTP (Registered Testing Pool) athlete for the last three years and have given multiple tests. I am talking to you with full confidence because I know I have done nothing wrong.

Deeksha also specified that the finding stems from an out-of-competition test conducted on February 26, 2026, in Bhopal, as per official NADA website data, rather than her most recent in-competition test in April.

Financial Struggles and State Transfer

Deeksha, who is employed by the Indian Railways, hails from Uttar Pradesh but has competed for Madhya Pradesh since 2019, training at the state-sponsored DSWY Academy in Bhopal.

Her recent absence from major competitive meets sparked initial speculation. She has not raced since winning gold (4:25.74s) at the Indian Athletics Series 2 in Jaipur on April 5, 2026, and notably skipped last month’s National Senior Athletics Federation Cup—a vital qualifying platform for the Commonwealth Games.

However, Deeksha explained that her absence and recent exit from the Bhopal academy are tied to deep financial strain and a desire to return to her home state for better institutional backing.

“Yes, I have asked for an NOC (No Objection Certificate) from MP, as I am financially struggling. I am under a loan burden of ₹6 lakh, even after winning so many medals and setting a national record,” Deeksha revealed. “I have received the NOC from MP and submitted the documents to Uttar Pradesh, but I have not received any update yet. If you win a medal at the Asian Games while representing UP, you receive good cash incentives.”

DSWY Academy chief coach SK Prashad confirmed her departure, noting, “She requested an NOC from the MP Athletics Association. She left the academy in April 2026 after the Jaipur meet.”

Furthermore, a handwritten application dated April 1, 2026, addressed to the Madhya Pradesh Sports and Youth Welfare Department shows Deeksha stating that the Railways department was no longer permitting her to continue training at the academy.

The Science: Why Stanozolol Raises Eyebrows

The reported substance, stanozolol, is an anabolic steroid that assists athletes with muscle building and recovery. Its presence has surprised experts, as it is highly unusual to find it in middle- and long-distance runners.

  • Usage Profile: Stanozolol is predominantly utilized by sprinters.
  • Off-Season Recovery: In longer-distance disciplines, it is sometimes misused during the off-season to facilitate quicker muscle recovery between punishing training blocks.
  • The Distinction: Unlike traditional endurance-boosting substances like Erythropoietin (EPO), stanozolol provides no direct improvement to an athlete’s oxygen-carrying capacity.

Deeksha currently holds India’s standard-setting 1500m national record of 4:04.78s, which she clocked with a third-place finish at the Sound Running Track Fest in Los Angeles, shattering the previous record of 4:05.39s held by Harmilan Bains. Her career now rests on the fast-approaching laboratory analysis of her B-sample.