A PSB spokesperson says a complete of 140 anti-doping assessments had been performed in 2024. — Reuters/File
KARACHI: The Pakistan Sports activities Board (PSB) has imposed ban on eight athletes after they examined constructive for banned substances, whereas investigations towards 5 others stay ongoing. The motion follows the outcomes of anti-doping assessments performed final yr.
A PSB spokesperson mentioned {that a} complete of 140 anti-doping assessments had been performed in 2024, of which 13 athletes returned constructive outcomes.
The crackdown goals to advertise transparency in sports activities and get rid of the usage of performance-enhancing medication.
The eight banned athletes come from varied sports activities disciplines, together with 5 from weightlifting, one from bodybuilding, one from biking, and one from athletics.
In weightlifting, Furqan Ahmed has been banned for 2 years, whereas Jamil Akhtar and Muhammad Yousaf acquired three-year bans every. Ghulam Hussain Shahid has been suspended for 4 years, and Arsalan Rauf has been handed a three-year ban.
Bike owner Natalia Khan and sprinter Anis Khan have every been banned for 3 years, whereas bodybuilder Kashif Shah has been suspended for 4 years.
Moreover, shot-putter Mahnoor Dogar and middle-distance runner Rabeela Farooq additionally examined constructive, and disciplinary motion is pending. Sprinter Naveed Anjum, weightlifters Malik Subhan and Hamad Ali have been issued notices and await additional proceedings.
The PSB spokesperson reaffirmed the board’s dedication to sustaining integrity in sports activities.
“We have a zero-tolerance policy on doping violations, and strict action will continue to be taken against those who breach anti-doping regulations,” the spokesperson mentioned.
