Exclusive: Banned Asian Championships Javelin Medalist DP Manu Reveals His Next Steps After Four-Year Suspension

Indian javelin thrower DP Manu, once seen as a bright torchbearer for the nation's rising javelin revolution, now finds himself in the shadows.

The 25-year-old athlete, who clinched a silver medal at the 2023 Asian Athletics Championships and finished sixth at the World Championships in Budapest, has been handed a four-year suspension by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) after testing positive for methyltestosterone, a banned anabolic steroid.

But the 25-year-old Manu, calm and defiant, refuses to bow to the storm. "I don't know anything about this, and I haven't received any email either," DP Manu told exclusively to myKhel. "Everyone is telling me that I am banned for four years, but I have a chance to appeal. If I appeal, I will see if something happens."

The said test, in question, was conducted during the Indian Grand Prix 1 in Bengaluru in April 2024 - a meet where Manu dominated with an 81.91m throw. Post that event, he competed in two more meets.

Though he fell short of the 85.50m Olympic qualifying standard, his world ranking kept his Paris hopes alive. However, that dream faded when a provisional suspension stopped him from participating in the Inter-State Nationals in Panchkula.

The final decision was confirmed by NADA's Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel and backdated to begin on June 24, 2024. Yet, Manu maintains that he is in the dark about the process. "I haven't received the email yet, I will appeal after that. Now I'm waiting for the mail," he reiterates.

The news has undoubtedly rattled Manu's LA Olympic ambitions, but his spirit appears unbroken. "I will try to reduce my ban period a bit. What is the use of being mentally depressed? Whatever has to happen will happen." He adds with stoic resolve, "I know I haven't eaten that substance, so I have no fear. Whatever happens, I will remain strong."

The doping blow has overshadowed what was arguably Manu's finest season. His performance in Budapest, where he registered an impressive 84.14m in the final, was part of a historic Indian trio - alongside Neeraj Chopra (Gold) and Kishore Jena (who finished 5th) - making it to the top 6 in the javelin final at the Worlds for the first time.

His rise had been built on discipline, steady improvement, and the guidance of coach Kashinath Naik, a Commonwealth Games medallist himself. For an athlete on the cusp of a career breakthrough, the suspension is devastating.

Still, DP Manu has chosen to lean on his conviction. His words echo with the quiet strength of someone determined to return, however long the road: "If I am banned for four years, I will keep practicing till then."