Medal-Winning Runner Twinkle Chaudhary Suspended for Doping: Another Blow to Indian Athletics
AIU issues notice after she tests positive for banned steroid Methyltestosterone
New Delhi | June 27, 2025 —Indian athletics has been hit by yet another doping scandal, this time involving 28-year-old middle-distance runner Twinkle Chaudhary, a decorated athlete with multiple National Games medals to her name. The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has provisionally suspended Chaudhary after she tested positive for the anabolic steroid Methyltestosterone, a banned substance under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code.
Chaudhary, who hails from Jalandhar, had recently emerged as a standout performer at the 2025 National Games in Uttarakhand, clinching gold in the women’s 4x400m relay, silver in the 800m, and bronze in the mixed 4x400m relay. She also made headlines in April this year after setting a new meet record of 2:00.71s in the 800m at the National Federation Senior Athletics Championships in Kochi.
AIU Issues Notice of Allegation
The AIU, responsible for enforcing anti-doping rules in track and field globally, has issued Chaudhary a formal "notice of allegation", marking the beginning of disciplinary proceedings. As per standard procedure, the athlete will now have an opportunity to present her defense at a hearing.
“Athletes are responsible for the substances found in their bodies. We follow a zero-tolerance policy towards doping,” the AIU stated.
The provisional suspension means Chaudhary is immediately barred from participating in any competitions pending the final outcome of her case.
India’s Doping Crisis Worsens
Chaudhary’s case is not an isolated incident. Just last month, quarter-miler Sneha Kolleri was also suspended for testing positive for Stanazolol, another banned anabolic steroid. These consecutive suspensions highlight the deepening doping crisis in Indian athletics.
According to WADA’s 2023 global doping report, India topped the list of countries conducting over 5,000 tests, with a shocking 3.8% adverse analytical findings (AAFs). Out of the 204,809 tests conducted globally, India accounted for 214 positive results, representing over 11% of total global doping violations.
Athlete Achievements Now Under Scrutiny
Twinkle Chaudhary’s suspension casts a shadow over her recent achievements, especially her record-breaking 800m performance in Kochi. If found guilty, not only could her results be annulled, but she could also face a lengthy ban from the sport, severely impacting her future as an athlete.
Under current WADA rules, anabolic steroid violations carry a standard ban of up to four years, depending on the circumstances and the athlete’s cooperation during the investigation.
Sports Ministry to Introduce Anti-Doping Reforms
In response to growing international scrutiny, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has vowed to ramp up anti-doping efforts across the country. Plans include:
- Wider awareness campaigns targeting young athletes and coaches
- More rigorous testing at national and state-level events
- Enhanced collaboration with WADA and AIU to maintain transparency
- Amendments to the National Anti-Doping Act, aiming to reduce government interference, as flagged by WADA
A new draft of the legislation is expected to be tabled in Parliament later this year, in a bid to align India’s anti-doping framework with global standards.
What Is Methyltestosterone?
Methyltestosterone is a synthetic anabolic steroid known for enhancing muscle mass, strength, and endurance. It is prohibited both in-competition and out-of-competition by WADA due to its performance-enhancing effects and serious health risks, including liver damage and hormonal imbalance.
Athletes found guilty of using it face severe penalties, including long-term suspensions and disqualification from results.
AIU’s Global Oversight Role
The Athletics Integrity Unit operates independently to uphold fair play in global athletics, overseeing anti-doping, corruption, betting, and ethical violations. Its actions are guided by the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules, ensuring that no athlete is above scrutiny.
In recent years, AIU’s work has led to hundreds of sanctions worldwide, including elite-level athletes from multiple countries.
Implications and Takeaways
- Indian athletics continues to face credibility challenges amid rising doping cases.
- Athletes like Twinkle Chaudhary may face multi-year bans that derail their careers and reputation.
- Public trust in national championships and records is at risk due to repeat violations.
- Reforms are urgently needed to restore international confidence in India’s sporting ecosystem.
What’s Next?
As Twinkle Chaudhary awaits her hearing, the Indian athletics community will be watching closely. The outcome of her case could set a precedent for how doping violations are handled going forward, especially in a country already under the microscope for its doping record.
Until a verdict is reached, Chaudhary remains suspended, and her future in the sport hangs in the balance.
