In a huge shock to India's medal hopes at the upcoming Paris Games, World Championship bronze medalist Parveen Hooda is almost certain to miss out on an Olympic berth due to her disappearance. Hooda's coach Sudhir Hooda confirmed: “Parveen has been handed an 18-month provisional suspension by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). We are completely devastated by this news.”
According to Parveen, it was found that there were three cumulative whereabouts failures in the one year period from April 2022 to March 2023. Athletes participating in the Registered Testing Person (RTP) are required to submit quarterly whereabouts updates. According to WADA rules, “Three (3) whereabouts violations (failures to submit and/or missed tests) within a 12-month period constitute an anti-doping rule violation and the applicable sanction is for a period of two years. be suspended and subject to a reduced sentence of at least one year depending on the degree of negligence. ”
This development has thrown the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) into turmoil. Lawyer Bidushpat Singhania, who handled Parveen's case, said: “We are in constant contact with the IBA. Our main goal is to ensure that she receives no sanction at all. At the very least, no suspension. We would like to shorten this to one year.” she said. However, there is no precedent for such sanctions being completely overturned. Even if the BFI succeeds in mitigating the suspension, Parveen and India will end up losing the 57kg quota.
“Repeated reminders were sent to Parveen, the BFI and the chief coach (Bernard Dunn) but all ignored the emails. Parveen took the matter casually and paid the price,” the coach said.
The BFI remained tight-lipped on the issue. BFI director general Hemanta Kalita said: “We will have more clarity in the next day or two, but we are liaising with all avenues to ensure we have the best plan.”
Parveen's name was initially part of the team list for the ongoing Elolda Cup in Kazakhstan – the team sheet dated May 6 is in the possession of HT – but a week later the BFI officially confirmed it. When the team was announced in , there were no boxers in the women's 57kg class. The Asian Games bronze medalist is currently at her home in Rohtak's Rulki village.
In Parveen's absence, the BFI asked 60kg boxer Jaismin Ramboria to prepare for the World Olympic Qualifiers scheduled for May 24 to June 2 in Bangkok. She is practicing twice a day to reduce her weight and earn her quota,” said Sandeep Ramboria, her coach and her uncle.
Unlike wrestling or shooting, where quotas belong to the NOC, boxing quotas are given to the athlete who earns them. Apart from Parveen, Nikhat Zareen (50kg), Preity (54kg) and Tokyo bronze medalist Lovlina Borgohain (75kg) have also qualified for Paris.
