Boxing Sangh Requested NADA to Check Boxing Championship Winners for Doping

In a concerning development at the fifth Elite Men Haryana State Boxing Championship held at HAU Hisar, tournament officials discovered discarded syringes and empty vials in the Giri Centre stadium's washroom facilities. The discovery prompted the Haryana Boxing Sangh (HBS) to take immediate action by contacting the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) during the event's second day.

Delay in Anti-Doping Testing 

Due to NADA's procedural requirements immediate sample collection was impossible even after HBS's swift response to the situation on December 17. Anti-doping testing requires advance notice and preparation which showcases a potential gap in rapid response capabilities for suspected doping cases at state-level competitions.

Future Preventive Measures

Looking ahead, the HBS has taken proactive steps to prevent similar incidents:

• Requested NADA presence at the upcoming national Elite Men Boxing Championship in Bareilly 
• Called for mandatory doping tests for all state-level boxing events in Haryana
• Emphasized the need for increased awareness about banned substances among athletes

Expert Concerns and Recommendations

Former Olympian and NADA panelist Akhil Kumar, who attended semi-finals of the tournament during has joined HBS General Secretary Ravinder Pannu in expressing serious concerns about doping in sports. Both officials stress the importance of enhanced awareness campaigns and stricter monitoring systems to combat the use of banned substances in competitive sports. 

The incident has sparked broader discussions about the need for more rigorous anti-doping measures at state-level sporting events and improved education about the dangers of performance-enhancing substances.