Indian middle-distance runner Twinkle Chaudhary has been handed a four-year suspension after a disciplinary tribunal found her guilty of committing an anti-doping rule violation involving a banned anabolic steroid.
The sanction stems from the presence and use of Methyltestosterone, a prohibited substance listed under the rules of the World Anti-Doping Agency. The ruling means the athlete will be ineligible to compete in athletics competitions for four years starting 24 June 2025.
According to the decision issued under the jurisdiction of the Athletics Integrity Unit, Twinkle Chaudhary committed an anti-doping rule violation after a sample she provided tested positive for the banned substance. As part of the sanction, all competitive results recorded by the athlete from 30 May 2025 onward have been disqualified.
This includes the forfeiture of any titles, medals, ranking points or prize money obtained from that date forward.
Positive test leads to tribunal ruling
The case was handled under the anti-doping framework that governs international athletics and is administered by the Athletics Integrity Unit on behalf of the sport’s global governing body, World Athletics.
Under the World Anti-Doping Code, the presence of a prohibited substance in an athlete’s sample constitutes a violation of the rules regardless of intent unless the athlete can establish that the ingestion was not intentional. Substances such as methyltestosterone are banned at all times due to their ability to enhance muscle growth, strength and recovery, providing athletes with an unfair competitive advantage.
Following the detection of the substance, disciplinary proceedings were initiated. The case was eventually heard by a tribunal, which concluded that the violation warranted the standard four-year period of ineligibility that typically applies in cases involving anabolic steroids when no grounds exist for reducing the sanction.
The ruling therefore sidelines Chaudhary from all competitions organized or sanctioned by World Athletics and its affiliated federations during the suspension period.
A setback for a developing athlete
Chaudhary competes primarily in the 800 metres, one of track and field’s most demanding middle-distance events, requiring a balance of speed, endurance and tactical racing.
The Indian runner has represented her country at various regional and international competitions and has been part of India’s growing group of middle-distance athletes competing on the Asian athletics circuit.
India has seen steady progress in athletics over the past decade, with athletes achieving notable performances at events such as the Asian Athletics Championships and other international competitions. Middle-distance running has also produced several emerging talents aiming to challenge the traditional global powers in the sport.
However, cases such as Chaudhary’s highlight the ongoing challenges athletics faces in maintaining clean competition.
Anti-doping efforts in athletics
In recent years, the Athletics Integrity Unit has expanded its global anti-doping programs, increasing testing and strengthening monitoring systems to protect the integrity of the sport.
Established to independently manage issues related to doping, corruption and other integrity violations in athletics, the body oversees investigations, results management and disciplinary processes across the international athletics landscape.
Sanctions such as Chaudhary’s form part of the wider effort to ensure a level playing field for athletes competing around the world.
Under the terms of her suspension, Chaudhary is barred not only from competition but also from participating in any official athletics activities organized by member federations, including training camps, coaching roles or athlete support positions during the period of ineligibility.
Looking ahead
The four-year ban effectively removes Chaudhary from the current Olympic cycle and prevents her from competing at major international events during that time.
Once the suspension period ends, she will only be eligible to return to competition after meeting all reinstatement conditions under the anti-doping regulations.
For now, the tribunal’s decision brings a significant interruption to the career of the Indian middle-distance runner, while reinforcing the strict anti-doping framework that continues to govern global athletics.