Indian middle-distance runner Parvej Khan, who recently gained recognition for his impressive performances in the NCAA circuit in the United States, has been provisionally suspended after failing a dope test. The 19-year-old faces a potential four-year ban if found guilty of doping.
Khan’s provisional suspension was confirmed by a source privy to the development. The date of commencement and the nature of the banned substance remain undisclosed. It is believed that his dope sample was collected during the National Inter-State Championships in Panchkula, where he competed for the first time since the National Inter-State Championships in Bhubaneswar in June 2023.
Khan’s suspension comes as a major setback for the young athlete, who had emerged as a rising star in Indian track and field. He became the first Indian to qualify for the final of a track event in the NCAA Championships earlier this year, representing the University of Florida on scholarship.
Hailing from a humble farming family in Haryana, Khan’s journey to the top has been marked by determination and hard work. He won the 1500m gold at the 2022 National Games and has consistently improved his personal bests.
Khan’s provisional suspension serves as a reminder of the importance of clean sport and the consequences of doping. The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) is responsible for enforcing anti-doping regulations in India and ensuring the integrity of sports competitions.
The outcome of Khan’s case will be closely watched by the Indian sporting community and beyond. If found guilty, he will face a significant setback in his career and will serve as a cautionary tale for other athletes tempted to engage in doping.
