The 26-year-old Odisha sprinter faces a four-year suspension if the charge is proved at a hearing to be convened by the Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel (ADDP). The standard sanction for the class of substances Chand has turned in positive _ other anabolic agents _ is a maximum four-year suspension. If the athlete can prove no-fault or negligence on her part in returning the positive test, she could walk free.

The athlete can also admit her offence within 20 days of the charge being issued, and receive a one-year reduction in the suspension. If Chand pleads no significant fault or negligence, then the sanction could be reduced to as little as a mere reprimand or anything from a few months to a few years suspension.
She can accept the charge and agree to the consequences, or she can disagree with it and present her case before the ADDP. Depending on the decision of the ADDP, the athlete or NADA or the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) could appeal at the National level and the World Athletics (WA) and WADA at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), Lausanne, if there is a disagreement with the Indian appeal panel decision.

Chand tested positive for three SARMs — Andarin, Ligandrol and Enobosarm (Ostarine). These substances are similar to anabolic steroids. But they do not produce androgenic (male characteristics) effects on the individual. These substances are yet to be approved as medicines for humans or ingredients for supplements by authorities.

It is learnt that Chand had written down around a dozen supplements and medications in her doping control form when her sample was collected. She was barred from athletics by the world body (IAAF) for her testosterone (male hormone) levels and other biological sex related issues. But she won her case at CAS with the Government of India, several organisations and individuals supporting her in her fight against the IAAF.

Chand is a former Asian 200m champion, two-time Olympian and a World University Games (WUG) champion in the 100m in 2019. At the Tokyo Olympics, she finished seventh in her 100m heats. In 2022 her best for 100m was 11.40s in the Inter-State meet in Chennai. She clocked national record of 11.17s in Patiala in June 2021.

Reacting to the news of her suspension, Chand, however, said that she was unaware about the positive dope test. "I am unaware about the development. The letter which is doing rounds on the internet is a fake one and attempts are being made to tarnish my image. The letter neither has NADA memo number, nor anyones signature," Chand said.
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TOP: Undated file picture of Odisha Olympian Dutee Chand.
RIGHT: Letter of positive dope test of Dutee Chand, which was made viral by sports journalist Boria Majumdar on 18 January 2023.