Indian Runner Pooja Aatmaram Banned For Three Years After Running Away From Dope Test

Last Updated:February 24, 2026, 11:59 IST

Pooja Aatmaram ran away from her chaperone shortly after finishing a race in Mumbai in November 2025.

Indian long-distance runner Pooja Aatmaram has been handed a reduced three-year ban after admitting she fled from officials ahead of an in-competition drugs test, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has said.

The 30-year-old, who competes primarily in the 5,000m and 10,000m, ran away from her chaperone shortly after finishing a race in Mumbai in November 2025.

According to a detailed ruling published by the AIU, Aatmaram was verbally notified of her selection for testing immediately after winning the Indian Oil WNC Navy Half Marathon on 23 November. She did not sign the Doping Control Form at the time of notification.

The AIU said she was accompanied from the finish line towards the Doping Control Station by a chaperone but broke away before arriving.

“During this time the Athlete ran away from the Chaperone and into a crowd," the ruling stated. The chaperone attempted to locate her and reported the incident to the Doping Control Officer (DCO), who informed the race director.

Attempts by both the race director and the lead DCO to contact Aatmaram by telephone were unsuccessful. “No Sample was ultimately collected from the Athlete," the AIU said.

The report described her as “exhausted and sweating" after the race. While being escorted, she collected a bottle of water and appeared nervous, repeatedly looking around due to the crowded conditions.

“Before reaching the DCS, the Athlete ran away from the Chaperone and in the opposite direction," the ruling added. Despite searching the area, officials were unable to find her.

Admission and apology

Disciplinary proceedings were opened on 3 February 2026. Within a week, Aatmaram wrote to the AIU apologising and expressing regret for refusing to submit to sample collection.

On 17 February, she signed an Admission of Anti-Doping Rule Violation and Acceptance of Consequences form.

Under anti-doping rules, refusing or evading testing carries a four-year ban. However, the AIU reduced the sanction to three years in light of her early admission of guilt.

The suspension has been backdated to 3 February, the date of her provisional suspension. All her results from 23 November 2025 onwards have been disqualified.

Aatmaram, who represents Rajasthan and finished third at the Indian Grand Prix 2 in 2024, has waived her right to have the case heard before a disciplinary tribunal.

With PTI Inputs

News sports other-sports Indian Runner Pooja Aatmaram Banned For Three Years After Running Away From Dope Test

Read More