Eight athletes banned by PSB for doping violation

KARACHI: Eight athletes have been banned by the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) after they tested positive for prohibited substances, while five others are currently going through an investigation. 

The PSB took action following results of anti-doping tests conducted in 2024. A PSB spokesperson said that a total of 140 tests were conducted last year of which 13 athletes returned with positive results. 

The action against the athletes aims to promote transparency in sports and eliminate the use of performance-enhancing drugs. 

The eight banned athletes come from various sports disciplines, including five from weightlifting, one from bodybuilding, one from cycling, and one from athletics.

In weightlifting, Furqan Ahmed has been banned for two years, while Jamil Akhtar and Muhammad Yousaf received three-year bans each. Ghulam Hussain Shahid has been suspended for four years, and Arsalan Rauf has been handed a three-year ban.

Cyclist Natalia Khan and sprinter Anis Khan have each been banned for three years, while bodybuilder Kashif Shah has been suspended for four years.

Additionally, shot-putter Mahnoor Dogar and middle-distance runner Rabeela Farooq also tested positive, and disciplinary action is pending. Sprinter Naveed Anjum, weightlifters Malik Subhan and Hamad Ali have been issued notices and await further proceedings.

The PSB spokesperson reaffirmed the board’s commitment to maintaining integrity in sports.

"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 spokesperson said.