Two Indian athletes banned for doping in Pune marathon

Two Indian athletes have been banned after testing positive for banned substances during the Pune Half Marathon held on December 15, 2024. This event has seen a rise in doping cases within Indian athletics. Pradhan Kirulkar and Vivek More, both long-distance runners, faced penalties from the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU). Kirulkar has received a three-year ban while More has been banned for five years. Additionally, Archana Jadhav tested positive for a prohibited substance at the same marathon and has been banned for four years. Kirulkar won the race with a time of 1:04:22, but his urine sample tested positive for Meldonium. His original four-year ban was reduced by one year after he admitted to the violation early. His ban starts from February 19, and all his results from December 15, 2024, will be disqualified. Vivek More's sample tested positive for multiple substances, including Mephentermine and Meldonium. He was initially facing a six-year suspension but received a one-year reduction for admitting his doping offense. His ban started recently, and like Kirulkar, his results from December 15, 2024, will also be disqualified. Jadhav's urine sample contained Oxandrolone, a synthetic anabolic steroid. Her four-year ban has been in effect since January 7, during which she has been under provisional suspension.