DOPE IN SPORTS STARTS EARLY

DOPE IN SPORTS STARTS EARLY

When 10 athletes tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs at a university meet, a new can of worms was opened. Even as authorities fight shy of taking action on the report, DTon why our athletes start young when it comes to doping…

CHANDNA ARORA

The embarrassment and negative attention that Indian sport gets when a player flunks a dope test in the international arena might have its roots in the player’s education and training. The first time that doping tests were conducted at the university level in India was at the inter-varsity athletics meet in Bangalore in December 2006. In that first instance, 10 players tested positive. And as recent reports revealed, the concerned authorities are still sitting on the report. Does doping begin early in sports, and how prevalent is it? DT unravels the what, why and how of young players taking drugs.
What the authorities say
Dr AK Mendiratta, from the Athletics Federation of India, confirmed that 10 players had tested positive in Bangalore. “The results were obtained from the Sports Authority of India, and forwarded to the Association of Indian Universities. AIU, the organisers, have to take preliminary action. We have not received any communication from them since then,” he says. Professor Dongaonkar, secretary general, AIU, says, “This is the first time we are in this situation. These are intricate questions.” Dr Chandran, from the Sports Authority of India, says that random testing was conducted for teams that went abroad, but only on request from the concerned federation.
So does doping begin early?
Most agree it does. Praveen Sharma, a gymnast who has played at the international level, even claims that it is widely prevalent. “No one can do without taking drugs. Internationally, sportspersons know how to take drugs and also ‘wash’ them – remove evidence of their being taken.” Sana Bhambri, a tennis player, says that drugs are taken in the training period. “I have heard that sometimes, it’s the coaches who bring the substances to the players, without telling the sportsperson they’re giving them drugs.”
Dr Chandran also says that we must concede that doping is prevalent everywhere. “We know from reports that doping also exists at the school level.” Director of the DU Sports Council adds, “It does seem it is prevalent. If 10 people have tested positive, it must indicate something.”
Deliberate, or just a mistake?
There are also those who feel that sportspersons might take banned drugs out of ignorance. “Ignorance is also taken as a fault,” says tennis player Ankita Bhambri. Sana explains, “Most people are not aware that some over-the-counter medicines are actually banned for sportspersons. They might get caught inadvertently at international competitions. You can’t always blame them.” Praveen also relates similar incidents. “There is a drug called deca durabolin, which
is a painkiller. If there is a shoulder injury, for instance, a player might take the drug, without knowing it’s also a steroid.”
They also say that sportspersons from some sports, like athletics, throwing, lifting and even archery, are more prone to taking drugs than players from other sports. “For instance, taking a performance-enhancer might give me more stamina, but it won’t improve my backhand or serve. Tennis requires technical ability as well as stamina,” says Ankita. It’s the same for gymnastics, says Praveen.
Mendiratta also argues that drugs cannot be taken out of ignorance. “The problem is that these banned drugs are available over-the-counter. Sometimes, chemists won’t even ask for prescriptions before handing out medication. Besides, it’s the sportsperson’s responsibility to check before taking medication. She/he should ask the federation doctor before taking them,” he says.
ON THE BANNED LIST Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) – These increase muscle tissue, which translates into more power and strength. Side effects: Masculinisation in females, while in males it leads to skin problems and osteoporosis. Other Anabolic agents – These are anti-asthma medicines. They have anabolic effects in large quantities. Side effects: Heart attacks, tremors and even death. Hormones and related substances –They increase the insulin growth factor, stamina, muscle power and strength. Side effects:Tremors, heart attacks. Agents with Anti-Estrogenic activity – These are used to mask the use of testosterone. Side effects: Carcinoma (cancer)