Asian Games Gold Medalist VK Vismaya Tests Positive for Banned Substance for Pregnancy

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Asian Games gold medalist quarter-miler VK Vismaya has tested positive for a banned substance, raising questions about the challenges athletes face in balancing personal life and professional obligations. The 27-year-old was instrumental in India's 4x400m relay gold at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games.

She reportedly failed an out-of-competition doping test conducted by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) on August 15 at her home in Perumbavur, Kochi. The test revealed traces of Clomiphene, a hormone and metabolic modulator prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

NADA informed Vismaya of the result on September 12. Clomiphene is typically used to induce ovulation in women and increase testosterone levels in men. Vismaya, now three months pregnant, claimed she had taken the medication as part of fertility treatment while planning a family.

"I agree I had taken it because it induces ovulation. I had mentioned this in the NADA form when they came to take the test. But they did not consider it," she explained. The athlete said the timing of the test coincided with her treatment, leaving her unable to secure a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) in advance.

"I submitted the TUE after the sample was taken, but they rejected it. It was not possible to submit a TUE a month in advance in my case," Vismaya told The Hindu. Vismaya has expressed frustration over the lack of consideration for her circumstances.

"After my pregnancy was confirmed, I sent another letter explaining that I could become pregnant through this medicine. I had sent all the proof," she said. Despite her efforts, NADA has upheld its findings.

Currently unable to contest the case due to her pregnancy, Vismaya admitted, "I cannot run after the case. I'm alone at home, my husband is in the Army, and I cannot get worried about the case at this point."

However, she has indicated that she may pursue legal options in the future. Vismaya's case highlights the complexity of anti-doping regulations, particularly for athletes navigating medical treatments. Alongside her, three other Indian athletes have recently been caught for doping, underscoring a broader issue in sports.