National Games medallist Twinkle Chaudhary faces doping allegations, battles to clear name

Jalandhar-based National Games medallist Twinkle Chaudhary is battling doping allegations. She tested positive for the banned substance methyl testosterone during a dope test at the recent Asian Athletics Championship in Gumi, South Korea.

Currently in Delhi, Chaudhary is contesting the charges through legal channels. She is also maintaining communication with authorities via emails and video calls.

Chaudhary, who participated in the 800m race at the championship, said she was unaware of how the banned substance entered her system. “I really do not know how it happened. I just want it to get resolved quickly. I am not able to continue my practice as everything has suddenly become uncertain for me,” she told The Tribune. The Athletics Integrity Unit had reported her positive test result, prompting further investigations, including analysis of her supplements, which she has been consuming for years without any prior issues.

The 800m runner had recorded her personal best timing of 2:00.71 at the Federation Championships, marking the fourth-best time by an Indian athlete in the event. Chaudhary emphasised that she had not undergone any medical treatment recently or consumed any unauthorised medications. She recalled a recent injury sustained during the National Games in Uttarakhand, where despite bleeding and needing medical attention, she refused local anaesthesia to avoid taking any medication without proper knowledge. “I took the sutures enduring all the pain to avoid any complications later,” she said.

Chaudhary also pointed out that methyl testosterone is typically misused by throwers and weightlifters for strength enhancement and is not recommended for endurance athletes like herself. She trains at the Reliance Centre, where strict controls are maintained on athletes’ diets and supplements, deepening the mystery of how the banned substance entered her body.

She suspects possible foul play during the Asian Athletics Championship. “Had my coach Sarabjit Happy been with me in Gumi, this might not have happened. While preparing for the heats, I left my bag with the Indian squad and went for a run. It could have taken just seconds for someone to tamper with my water bottle or shaker,” she explained. Chaudhary was the only athlete randomly selected for testing.

Her coach Sarabjit Happy, currently in Germany for the World University Games, expressed his concern, calling it a major setback for the athlete. “She has been contesting the case and I hope she steers clear of all allegations,” he said.

The case remains under review as Chaudhary awaits a resolution that could determine her future in athletics.