Doping Ban: Asian Games Medallist Manju Bala Handed Five-Year Suspension by NADA
Manju Bala Banned for Five Years After Failing Doping Test: NADA
Description :
Hammer thrower and Asian Games medallist Manju Bala receives a five-year ban from NADA after testing positive for banned substances under WADA’s anti-doping code.
Published on:
12 November 2025 | 09:20 PM (GMT+05:30, IST, India) Published by: Mr. Dibakar Mandal
Introduction
In a major setback to Indian athletics, Asian Games medallist Manju Bala Singh has been banned for five years by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) after testing positive for a prohibited substance under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) guidelines. The suspension is effective immediately, striking a heavy blow to the 34-year-old hammer thrower’s career.
The decision follows a detailed disciplinary hearing conducted by NADA’s Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel (ADDP), which found the athlete guilty of violating Article 2.1 and 2.2 of the NADA Anti-Doping Rules — relating to the presence of prohibited substances and use or attempted use of such substances.
The Case: How Manju Bala Tested Positive
According to official reports, Manju Bala’s urine sample was collected during an out-of-competition test earlier this year. Subsequent analysis at a WADA-accredited laboratory confirmed the presence of anabolic agents, substances known for enhancing muscle recovery and strength — both strictly banned in athletics.
Upon notification, Bala was provisionally suspended pending the outcome of the disciplinary process. Despite being offered the opportunity to defend herself before the NADA panel, her explanations failed to satisfy the agency’s anti-doping standards.
“The athlete has been found guilty of an anti-doping rule violation and is hereby suspended for a period of five years. All results, medals, and rankings achieved during this period stand disqualified,” NADA stated in its official order.
A Career Interrupted
Manju Bala, who clinched a bronze medal at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, had been one of India’s most consistent hammer throwers over the past decade. She also represented the nation in multiple Asian and Commonwealth competitions.
Her disqualification marks a disappointing chapter in Indian athletics, which has seen a number of doping-related cases in recent years. For Bala, the suspension could effectively end her professional career, given her age and the lengthy ban period.
“This is heartbreaking — not just for the athlete but for the entire athletics community,” a senior Athletics Federation of India (AFI) official told reporters, requesting anonymity.
Manju Bala Banned for Five Years After Failing Doping Test: NADA
India’s Ongoing Doping Problem
India continues to grapple with doping-related challenges across various sports. The country frequently appears in WADA’s list of top three nations for doping violations, alongside Russia and the United States.
NADA has intensified its testing mechanisms and awareness programs in recent years, particularly targeting track-and-field events where incidents are comparatively higher. Despite these efforts, multiple athletes — from weightlifting to athletics — have been caught in violation of anti-doping regulations.
Sports analysts say that the Manju Bala case serves as another reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive education programs for athletes about supplements, banned substances, and strict testing compliance.
What Lies Ahead for Manju Bala
With the ban effective until 2030, Manju Bala is ineligible to participate in any national or international competitions under the jurisdiction of World Athletics, Athletics Federation of India (AFI), or the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
She retains the right to appeal the verdict before the Anti-Doping Appeal Panel (ADAP) or the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland, though overturning such rulings remains rare.
If her appeal fails, Bala will also be required to forfeit prize money, ranking points, and recognition earned during the affected period.
Reactions from the Sporting Community
The Indian athletics fraternity expressed disappointment but also emphasized the importance of maintaining zero tolerance toward doping.
Former sprinter and coach Anju Bobby George commented,
“While it’s unfortunate for any athlete to face a ban, the message must be clear — doping has no place in sports. We must protect clean athletes and the integrity of competition.”
Sports scientists, meanwhile, have called for better athlete support programs, citing the lack of awareness and inadequate monitoring as recurring factors in such cases.
Conclusion
The five-year suspension of Manju Bala underscores both the progress and persisting pitfalls in India’s anti-doping framework. While the NADA’s proactive enforcement strengthens the nation’s stance on clean sport, the recurrence of such incidents reveals gaps in education, supervision, and athlete management.
For Manju Bala, a decorated athlete once celebrated for her resilience and success, this ruling could mark an abrupt and painful end to a promising career. For Indian athletics, it serves as yet another urgent wake-up call.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why was Manju Bala banned by NADA? She tested positive for banned anabolic agents during an out-of-competition test, violating NADA’s anti-doping rules.
2. How long is the ban imposed on Manju Bala? The National Anti-Doping Agency has handed her a five-year suspension from all competitive sporting events.
3. Can she appeal against the decision? Yes, she can appeal to the Anti-Doping Appeal Panel (ADAP) or the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
4. Will her previous medals and records be affected? Yes, all medals, results, and rankings achieved during the prohibited period are disqualified.
5. What is India’s current status in global doping statistics? According to WADA reports, India remains among the top three countries with the most doping violations annually.
Mr. Dibakar Mandal is the Founder and Editor of Scouting Studys, an independent educational and news platform based in India. He writes about global events, scouting education, youth development, international affairs.
