Furqan Ahmad, Natalia Khan Among Eight Athletes Banned by Pakistan Sports Board for Doping Violation

Published on 19/02/2025 by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 19/02/2025 at 11:08 by Devesh Jaganath

PSB Clamps Down On Doping Violations

In 2024, the Pakistan Sports Board, through its Anti-Doping Organisation of Pakistan (ADOP), carried out a record 140 doping control tests as part of its initiative to uphold the integrity of sports among the nation’s athletes. This represents a substantial rise from previous years, with a total of 94 tests conducted out-of-competition and 46 tests conducted during competition, and the expanded testing efforts resulted in the identification of several doping violations across various sports disciplines.

A total of 13 athletes, including those from weightlifting, bodybuilding, cycling and athletics, tested positive for anabolic steroids. Disciplinary action, ranging from two to four-year bans, have been taken against those in violation of the rules, while further cases are still under review. Of the 13 athletes in question, eight have already received bans, including five from weightlifting, one from bodybuilding, one from cycling and one from athletics.

Weightlifters Furqan Ahmad, Jamil Akhtar, and Muhammad Yousaf were each handed three-year bans, while Ghulam Hussain Shahid received a four-year suspension and Arsalan Rauf was suspended for three years. Cyclist Natalia Khan and sprinter Anis Khan were both banned for three years from all competitions, while bodybuilder Kashif Shah will not be able to compete for the next four years. Additionally, there are still pending sanctions for Naveed Anjum (athletics), Malik Subhan Ali (weightlifting), Mahnoor Dogar (shot put), Rabeela Farooq (athletics) and Hamad Ali (weightlifting).

Following the confirmation of the eight athletes’ sanctions, the PSB reaffirmed its commitment to stamping out doping in sports per the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) guidelines. A PSB spokesperson added that beyond detection, the organisation is actively engaged in educating athletes about the long-term risks and consequences of doping. Speaking on the matter, a PSB spokesperson said:

"We have a zero-tolerance policy on doping violations, and strict action will continue to be taken against those who breach anti-doping regulations. The crackdown on doping violations demonstrates our unwavering commitment to maintaining integrity in sports"