Two Indian Track and Field Athletes Suspended by NADA for steroids use

[Bodybuilding News]

In a recent development highlighting the persistent issue of doping in Indian athletics, two prominent track and field athletes, sprinter Akshay Nain and race walker Aditya Negi, have received significant suspensions from the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) due to steroid usage. We delve deeply into the case details, the substances involved, and the broader implications of doping bans in Indian athletics.

NADA Imposes Four-Year Ban on Athletes Akshay Nain and Aditya Negi​

On February 18, 2025, the Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel (ADDP) of the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) handed down severe penalties to two Indian athletes for violating anti-doping regulations. Although the judgment was announced internally earlier, NADA made this information public only on March 19, 2025.

The athletes affected by this disciplinary action are sprinter Akshay Nain and race walker Aditya Negi, both of whom have tested positive for anabolic steroids, substances known for significantly enhancing athletic performance but banned internationally due to serious ethical and health concerns.

Sprinter Akshay Nain: Violation and Penalty​

Akshay Nain, 24, an established sprinter who had won a silver medal in the 200-meter event and bronze in the 400-meter event at the 2023 National Open Athletics Championships, was found guilty of doping violations involving Drostanolone Metabolite (3 alpha-hydroxy, 2 alpha-methyl-5 alpha androstan-17-one). This substance belongs to the anabolic steroid category, known particularly for enhancing muscle mass, power output, and acceleration capabilities in sprinting events.

Specifics of Akshay Nain’s Ban:​

• Start of Suspension: October 23, 2023
• Duration: Four Years
• Prohibited Substance: Drostanolone Metabolite

His absence significantly impacts India’s short-distance sprinting discipline, given his personal best records:

• 100 meters: 10.85 seconds
• 200 meters: 20.97 seconds
• 400 meters: 46.40 seconds

These times positioned Nain among the promising athletes representing India internationally, making his suspension particularly impactful.

Race Walker Aditya Negi: Substance Abuse and Consequences​

Aditya Negi, aged 20, has been sanctioned following positive doping tests revealing the use of 19-Norandrosterone, a metabolite indicating the presence of anabolic steroids like Nandrolone, frequently abused for endurance enhancement and recovery acceleration.

Negi, who secured a silver medal in the 10-kilometer race walk at the 2024 National U-20 Race Walking Championships, faced a provisional suspension beginning February 22, 2024. NADA’s recent announcement confirms his formal four-year ban, underscoring the seriousness of the anti-doping breach.

Specifics of Aditya Negi’s Ban:​

• Start of Suspension: February 22, 2024
• Duration: Four Years
• Prohibited Substance: 19-Norandrosterone

The severity of Negi’s case reflects the ongoing challenge within endurance sports, where recovery times and sustained energy often entice athletes toward prohibited substances.

References:

• World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)
• National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) India