Middle distance runner Shalu Chaudhary vindicated as DNA Testing overturns doping ban

DNA evidence casts doubt on sample integrity, prompting overturn of ban.

Middle-distance runner Shalu Chaudhary has been exonerated of doping allegations and had her four-year ban lifted by the National Anti-Doping Agency’s (NADA) appeals panel. The 30-year-old athlete, who had been suspended last year for the alleged use of prohibited substances, including a stimulant and peptide hormones, successfully challenged the decision after DNA testing revealed startling evidence of potential tampering or contamination of her urine sample.

The appeals panel’s order stated that the DNA analysis, conducted at the prestigious Forensics department of King’s College, London, produced “extremely poor partial DNA profiles, presenting as a mixture of two female individuals in similar proportions.”

“The A and B samples from the previously analysed urine sample produced extremely poor partial DNA profiles, presenting as a mixture of two female individuals in similar proportions,” the appeals panel order stated.

This crucial finding raised serious doubts about the integrity of Chaudhary’s sample, prompting the panel to overturn the disciplinary committee’s initial ruling.

Chaudhary’s legal counsel, advocates Parth Goswami and Akshay Kumar, had persistently argued for DNA testing, citing precedents from the Court of Arbitration for Sport and a previous NADA decision involving motorsports athlete Vijay Singh. Their perseverance paid off as the appeals panel recognized the need for fairness and discretion in such matters.

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“I am pleased to announce that the appeals panel’s decision to exonerate Shalu Chaudhary validates our longstanding assertion of innocence,” Goswami said in a statement. “While I am relieved by this outcome, I am deeply saddened by the toll it has taken on Shalu’s career, with nearly two years unjustly spent under the shadow of these allegations.”

The panel’s order further stated, “In view of the aforesaid facts, the order dated 11.04.2023 passed by the learned Anti Doping Disciplinary Panel is set aside. Accordingly, sanction of four years imposed upon the athlete is also set aside, as well as consequential directions of forfeiture of competitive results w.e.f. 13.06.2022 is also set aside.”

Chaudhary, a national-level medallist in the 800m event, had maintained her innocence throughout the ordeal, asserting that her positive dope test was likely a result of tampering or contamination during the sample collection process. The NADA has been directed to refund the ₹1.5 lakh charged for the DNA testing within ten days of the order, marking a significant victory for the athlete and her legal team.

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