aiu-bans-indian-runner-pooja-for-3-years

Indian long-distance runner Pooja Aatmaram has been handed a reduced three-year ban by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) after admitting to fleeing from a chaperone ahead of an in-competition doping test last year.

The 30-year-old, who competes mainly in the 5000m and 10,000m events, had finished third in the Indian Grand Prix 2 in 2024 while representing Rajasthan—still her most notable performance. She was selected for a doping test after winning the Indian Oil WNC Navy Half Marathon in Mumbai on November 23, 2025.

According to the AIU, “The Athlete was verbally notified of her selection for testing immediately after finishing the race by a Doping Control Officer (DCO) and a Lead DCO. The Athlete did not sign the Doping Control Form (DCF) at the time of notification.”

 

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The report detailed that Pooja, while being accompanied by a chaperone from the finish line to the Doping Control Station (DCS), ran into the crowd and disappeared. “The Chaperone tried to locate the Athlete and immediately reported that she had run away after verbal notification. The DCO subsequently informed the Race Director,” the AIU stated. Attempts to reach her via phone were unsuccessful, and no sample was ultimately collected.

The AIU described the sequence of events in detail: “Pooja exhausted and sweating” after the race, picked up a water bottle before appearing nervous and looking around. Before reaching the DCS, the Athlete ran away from the Chaperone and in the opposite direction. Despite searching the area, the Chaperone could not locate her.”

Disciplinary proceedings began on February 3, 2026. Pooja promptly apologised, writing to the AIU on February 9 to express regret for refusing to provide a sample, and on February 17 submitted a formal Admission of Anti-Doping Rule Violation and Acceptance of Consequences Form.

Acknowledging her early admission and cooperation, the AIU reduced her suspension by one year from the standard four-year ban. The three-year suspension is effective retrospectively from February 3, the date of her provisional suspension.

The AIU also confirmed that all results from November 23, 2025, onwards would be disqualified. Pooja has waived her right to contest the consequences before the Disciplinary Tribunal.