Powerlifter alleges coercion by NADA to collect sample, agency denies charge

An Andhra powerlifter, Raghavendra Goud Yelugani, has alleged that the National Anti-Doping Agency used coercion to extract a fresh sample from him after the suspended National Dope Testing Laboratory's report of his B sample had cleared him of any violation.

However, a senior Project Officer from the NADA categorically denied any use of "force" and said that the powerlifter has "consistently used steroids as the fresh sample indicated".

The 24-year-old Raghavendra has alleged that the NADA forcibly collected a fresh sample from him at its Delhi headquarters and kept him provisionally suspended after that.

The documents in possession of PTI reveal that Raghavendra was tested 'In Competition' (IC) by the NADA during the National Unequipped Powerlifting Championship on September 30, 2018 and the sample was handed over to NDTL on October 3, 2018.

On January 9, 2019, NDTL's report had Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) on three counts and Raghavendra tested positive for banned substances.

As per norm, he sought a test of his B sample on January 25, 2019 for a fee of Rs 11,500.

Raghavendra, in his letter to NADA Director General Naveen Agarwal, alleged that he was asked to come to NADA headquarters in New Delhi on March 29, 2019 and was forced to provide a third "urine sample", which according to him was used to suspend him.

This was after Raghavendra received a letter from NADA on August 7, 2018 which stated that his "B sample did not confirm the A sample adverse analytical finding (AAF)".

Accordingly, Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) case couldn't be recorded against Raghavendra as per clause 7.3.4 of NADA's anti-doping rules.

The clause states: "If the B sample analysis doesn't confirm the A sample analysis, then (unless NADA takes the case forward as an ADRV violation under clause 2.2), the entire test shall be considered "negative" and athlete, athlete's national federation, athlete's international federation and WADA shall so be informed."