NADA cracks down: Manju Bala’s medal dreams on hold after 5-year doping ban

Manju Bala, the 2014 Asian Games bronze medallist in hammer throw, has been banned for five years after testing positive for prohibited substances in 2024, according to the decision of the Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel (ADDP) of the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). The ruling, handed down on October 15, 2025, confirms that her suspension will be effective from July 10, 2024, meaning she will be ineligible to compete in any national or international events until July 2029.

The substances detected in Manju Bala’s system were dehydrochloromethyl-testosterone, a steroid, and SARMS LGD-4033, commonly known as ligandrol. Both are classified under NADA’s list of prohibited substances, with steroids known to enhance muscle mass and strength, while ligandrol is a selective androgen receptor modulator often used to improve muscle growth and performance. The presence of these substances constitutes a serious anti-doping rule violation under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code, which NADA follows as the national anti-doping organisation in India.

Manju Bala’s doping case first came to light in September 2024 when NADA publicly announced her positive test results. The testing and analysis were carried out as part of routine out-of-competition checks, which aim to detect the use of performance-enhancing drugs among elite athletes. Following the announcement, the athlete was provisionally suspended, pending a formal hearing before the ADDP. After reviewing the evidence, including the laboratory findings and athlete’s explanation, the panel concluded that a five-year ban was appropriate given the nature of the substances detected and the circumstances of the violation.

Manju Bala, who earned bronze in the women’s hammer throw at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, has been a prominent figure in Indian athletics. Her career has included multiple national championships and international representations, and she has often been cited as one of India’s leading track and field athletes in the hammer throw discipline. The ban not only prevents her from competing during the suspension period but also impacts her eligibility for rankings, selection in national teams, and participation in any sanctioned events by the Athletics Federation of India or other affiliated bodies.

The case also highlights NADA’s ongoing efforts to ensure a clean and fair sporting environment in India. Doping violations in athletics remain a concern, with the agency actively monitoring athletes and enforcing penalties to deter the use of banned substances. NADA has repeatedly emphasised education, awareness, and stringent testing as key measures to combat doping.

While Manju Bala’s suspension is a significant setback for her personally, it serves as a reminder of the strict anti-doping framework that governs sports in India and globally. The five-year ban represents one of the more severe punishments for doping violations, reflecting the seriousness with which authorities treat the use of performance-enhancing drugs among elite athletes.
(With PTI inputs)