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India's Top 400m Runner Deepanshi Suspended for DopingIndia's promising 400m runner Deepanshi has been suspended by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) after testing positive for anabolic steroids during the recent National Inter-State Athletics Championships in Panchkula, Haryana.Deepanshi, 21, had secured a silver medal in the event, clocking an impressive 52.01 seconds in the women's 400m final. However, her jubilation was short-lived as her in-competition dope sample, collected on June 27, returned positive results for banned substances.This incident marks the first doping violation from the National Inter-State Championships, which served as the final qualifying event for the upcoming Paris Olympics. Deepanshi's suspension has raised concerns about the sources of her doping substances and the nature of her training environment, as she does not train at the National camp.The use of anabolic steroids, which are synthetic hormones that promote muscle growth, is strictly prohibited in sports. They can enhance performance but also pose significant health risks, including liver damage, heart problems, and infertility.Deepanshi's suspension is a major setback for Indian athletics. She was considered one of the country's top prospects for the Paris Olympics and had been consistently improving her times. Her suspension serves as a reminder of the importance of clean sport and the consequences of doping.The NADA is investigating the case and will determine the appropriate sanctions against Deepanshi. The suspension is a blow to her career and raises questions about the integrity of Indian athletics. It is crucial for athletes to adhere to anti-doping regulations and maintain the highest standards of sportsmanship.

Olympic and world champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has clarified that the Paris Diamond League on Sunday was never a part of his competition calendar this year. The statement came after a media report stated that Chopra pulled out of the event due to an adductor niggle that has been troubling him for the past couple of months.Chopra took to social media to clarify that there was no question of a withdrawal when he had not even entered his name for the event. "Hello, everyone. Just to clarify: the #ParisDL wasn't part of my competition calendar this season, so I haven't 'withdrawn' from it. I'm focusing on getting ready for the Olympic Games," Chopra posted.The 26-year-old was exempted from last week's National Inter-State Championships, which was a mandatory event for all Indian athletes, by the Athletics Federation Of India (AFI). The AFI said the relaxation was given to him due to the short turnaround time between the domestic event and the Diamond League on July 7.However, Chopra had indicated last month that his schedule would be decided according to the state of his body. "We had a discussion that I would play in the National Inter-State Championships (June 27-30) and it's going to be held in Panchkula in Haryana but it was very near to the Paris Olympics," Chopra had said."Since I was playing in Doha which is near to India. Moreover, there is Paris Diamond League (on July 7) between National Inter-State and Olympics. So, we decided to compete here (Federation Cup)," Chopra had said."Further competition schedule will be decided later according to situation and my body. Otherwise, I will go to Paris from there (after competing in Turku)."Chopra, who scripted history by becoming the first Indian to win a track and field medal at the Tokyo Olympics, had won the gold at the at the Paavo Nurmi Games last month. Following this, he had opened up about his adductor niggle which has affected his season, saying he will consult "different doctors" after the Paris Olympics.

Haryana's Kiran Pahal has etched her name in history by becoming the second Indian woman to qualify for the Paris Olympics in the women's 400 meters. At the ongoing National Inter-State Athletics Championships in Panchkula, Haryana, Pahal clocked an impressive 50.92 seconds in the semifinal, surpassing the qualifying mark of 50.95 seconds.Pahal's remarkable performance not only secured her a berth at the prestigious Games but also marked her best timing of the season. She displayed exceptional speed and endurance, leaving her competitors behind. Devy Aniba Zala of Gujarat finished a distant second with a timing of 53.44, while Sneha K of Kerala came third with a time of 53.51.Pahal's qualification is a testament to her unwavering determination and rigorous training. She has consistently pushed her limits and showcased her exceptional talent on the track. Her achievement is a source of pride for India and inspires aspiring athletes across the nation.The Paris Olympics, scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024, will witness Pahal competing against the world's best in the women's 400 meters. Her qualification is a significant milestone in Indian athletics and raises expectations for a strong performance at the Games.

World Athletics and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee (LA28) have announced a groundbreaking shift in the competition schedule. In a historic move, athletics will now take center stage during the first week of the Olympic Games at the iconic LA Memorial Coliseum. This unprecedented change marks the first time a stadium will host events at three Olympic Games.The decision to prioritize athletics in the opening week is a testament to the sport's global appeal and its ability to captivate audiences. By showcasing the world's greatest track and field athletes at the outset of the Games, LA28 aims to create an electrifying atmosphere and set the tone for an unforgettable Olympic experience."We are thrilled to support this visionary timetable change for LA28," said Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics. "This move underscores our commitment to innovation in athletics and elevating the global profile of our athletes. By prioritizing athletics in the first week, the Games will witness the most thrilling of starts, captivating audiences worldwide and setting the stage for an unforgettable Olympic journey for global audiences."The schedule adjustment, which sees swimming events move to the second week, is expected to unlock unparalleled opportunities for athletics in pre-Games promotion and Games-time viewership. The first-week scheduling positions athletics at the forefront of the Games, ensuring a strong start and sustained excitement throughout the event.The historic marathon events will remain over the last weekend, with medals presented during the closing ceremony – a tradition that befits an event that has been part of the programme since the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.The swap allows athletics, for the first time in memory, to benefit from the high level of interest and excitement provided by the opening ceremony. And not just any opening ceremony, but one crafted in the storytelling and creative capital of the world in Los Angeles."Over the past months, LA28 has worked closely with World Athletics, World Aquatics, the IOC, and OBS to assess the opportunities around this competition schedule swap," said Janet Evans, Chief Athlete Officer of LA28. "We believe the positive effects of this change will extend beyond the two sports involved, strengthening the LA28 Games as a whole and ultimately benefiting all sports in the LA28 sport programme."The Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games will be held from 14-30 July 2028, featuring over 10,000 athletes from more than 200 nations competing in 35 sports currently in the LA28 sport programme. This marks the third time Los Angeles will host the Olympics, following the 1932 and 1984 Games.

Olympic and world champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra is set to make his competitive return at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Turku, Finland, on Tuesday, June 14. The 26-year-old Indian superstar will be up against a stellar field, including German sensation Max Dehning, who is the youngest member of the coveted 90m club.Chopra, who is aiming to enter the 90m club himself, will also face competition from local favorite Oliver Helander, who defeated him in the 2022 edition of the Paavo Nurmi Games. Two-time world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada and 2012 Olympic champion Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago will also be in the fray.Chopra was forced to withdraw from last month's Ostrava Golden Spike as a precautionary measure due to a niggle in his adductor muscles. He began his season at the Doha Diamond League in May, where he finished second with a throw of 88.36m.Despite the setback, Chopra remains confident in his preparations for the Paris Olympics in 2024. He has opted out of the National Inter-State Athletics Championships in Panchkula to avoid a hectic schedule ahead of the Games."Further competition schedule will be decided later according to situation and my body. Otherwise, I will go to Paris from there (after competing in Turku)," Chopra said after the Federation Cup.Chopra's return to competitive action at the Paavo Nurmi Games will be a crucial test of his fitness and form as he builds up to the Paris Olympics. The Indian star will be hoping to continue his impressive run of success and cement his status as one of the world's best javelin throwers.

Indian distance runner Gulveer Singh has etched his name in the history books by shattering the men's 5,000m national record at the Portland Track Festival High Performance Meet. The 26-year-old clocked an impressive 13:18.92 in the Paul Banta Memorial race, eclipsing the previous mark of 13:19.30 set by Avinash Sable in 2022.Singh, who hails from western Uttar Pradesh, now holds the national record in both the 10,000m and 5,000m events. He had previously won the 10,000m bronze medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games last year with a time of 28:17.21 seconds.In the Portland race, American distance runner Dylan Jacobs, a three-time NCAA champion, emerged victorious with a time of 13:18.18. India's Kartik Kumar finished 17th with a timing of 13:41.07, while Sable, who has a season's best of 13:20.37, unfortunately did not complete the race.In the men's 5,000m high performance event, Abhishek Pal set a personal best of 13:41.57 to secure third place.The Portland Track Festival is a prestigious track meet in the United States, attracting Olympic champions, world record holders, and countless Olympians over the years. Singh's record-breaking performance at this event is a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication.

As the scorching heatwave grips India, athletes across the country are facing extreme conditions that hinder their training and performance. Recent incidents, such as an athlete collapsing on a burning track in Delhi and javelin throwers struggling in the stifling heat of Bhubaneswar, highlight the challenges posed by the rising temperatures.With the national capital breaching the 50°C barrier and northern and central India experiencing a punishing heatwave, outdoor training has become an ordeal for athletes. Distance running coach Amrish Kumar suggests that athletes train at high altitude to build lung capacity and endurance while avoiding the heat.However, not all athletes can afford to relocate or change their training schedules. To cope with the extreme conditions, some coaches have adjusted their session timings to beat the heat. Gaurav Tyagi, who coaches steeplechaser Parul Chaudhary, has shifted his morning sessions to 4:30 am and evening sessions to 5:30 pm.Another solution is to build indoor facilities that protect athletes from the sun and heat. India currently has one such facility in Bhubaneswar, which can accommodate 120 residential trainees and host various track and field events. Experts believe that India needs more such stadiums to provide athletes with year-round training opportunities.Triple jumper Poorva Sawant suggests having one indoor facility in each metro city as a starting point. This would address the challenges of training in Delhi, where extreme weather conditions and pollution make it difficult for athletes to perform at their best.Para high jumper Sharad Kumar emphasizes the need for basic facilities at stadiums, such as water coolers, clean grounds, and covered areas for rest. Javelin coach Vipin Kasana laments the lack of such facilities at the JLN Stadium in Delhi.In coastal cities, athletes face the additional challenge of humidity, which can be equally debilitating. Indoor facilities would provide a much-needed respite from both heat and humidity.As India aims to host the Summer Olympics in 2036, it is crucial to invest in infrastructure that supports the development of world-class athletes. Indoor facilities would allow athletes to train consistently throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions.

The Delhi Summer Athletic meet at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium concluded on Sunday with a significant number of athletes withdrawing from participation due to the presence of National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) officials.On Friday, the first day of the meet, several athletes either "Did Not Start" or "Did Not Finish" in various events, particularly in throwing events. NADA officials had arrived to collect samples, prompting many athletes to stay away.On Sunday, the exodus continued as more athletes pulled out across events. The women's steeplechase, women's hammer throw, and men's pole vault could not be conducted due to a lack of participants. In the men's hammer, only one athlete competed, while the lone participant in the women's hammer did not report.The men's triple jump saw no medallists as two jumpers withdrew and three registered 'no mark'. In discus, only half of the eight entrants took part. In men's 800m, six out of 19 participants did not start.The most significant withdrawals occurred in the men's 5,000m and boys U-18 1,000m. In 5,000m, only six of the 20 athletes competed, while the 1,000m race saw 14 DNS and three DNF in a field of 25. In women's 5,000m, five of the nine athletes pulled out.The Delhi Athletics Association (DAA), the organizers of the meet, stated that the results may be updated after receiving reports from NADA and the age verification committee. The result of the U18 shot put bronze medallist who evaded the testers has been withheld, and the boys' discus result has also been "withheld" due to complaints of overage.The meet was intended to select the Delhi team for the National Youth Athletics Championships in Chhattisgarh from June 15. The DAA had obtained undertakings from all participants with the names of their coaches, following the Athletics Federation of India's (AFI) announcement that coaches would also be punished if an athlete is suspended for doping.India has recorded the highest number of doping offenders in the world in 2022, according to a recent World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) report. India tested 3,865 samples that year, and 125 returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF). India is also the second worst country in doping cases among minors, as per a 10-year study conducted by WADA, behind Russia.

Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra's participation in the Ostrava Golden Spike 2024 athletics meet in the Czech Republic on May 28 has been canceled due to a muscle injury sustained in training two weeks ago. The organizers confirmed the news, stating that Chopra will attend the event as a guest.Chopra, the reigning Olympic and world champion, began his 2024 season with a silver medal at the Doha Diamond League on May 10, throwing an impressive 88.36 meters. He then returned to domestic competition after almost three years, winning gold in the Federation Cup on May 15 with a throw of 82.27m.Chopra's injury is a setback in his preparations for the Paris Olympic Games, where he aims to defend his gold medal. The organizers expressed their disappointment but noted that they had received a message from Chopra informing them of his withdrawal.European champion Julian Weber from Germany will replace Chopra in the competition. Weber threw 88.37 meters on Friday, the third-best performance of the year. The organizers believe this will provide a significant challenge for Jakub Vadlejch before the European Championships in Rome.Chopra's absence from the Ostrava Golden Spike is a reminder of the challenges athletes face in maintaining peak performance. Despite this setback, he remains one of India's brightest medal hopes for the Paris Olympics.