NEW DELHI: If you know about Sunita Rani today, it's not because she had won an Asiad gold medal. It's because she has lost it, right? Sad, that a few extra nanograms of the banned substance nandralone in her body could be a spoiler for so many.
Even though the Sports Authority of India (SAI) director-general, Shekhar Dutt, says "she has been tried by the media and hanged even before the final test results", he must agree that like match-fixing in cricket, doping should not be swept under the tartan track. It can't be: it is widespread, almost official, done with the collusion of coaches and managers, claim members of the sports fraternity.
Ask badminton star Aparna Popat, who tested positive for doping three years ago. "Doping is everywhere. It may not be widespread in disciplines where you don't need to use power, but in weight lifting and running you need to be extra muscular and frequently tend to adopt unacceptable ways. The authorities might be taking the strictest possible measures to eradicate doping, but, like it or not, it's a part of sport."
What is the extent of doping in India?
The SAI has run tests on sportsmen since 1990, off and on — 257 of them have tested positive. Orthopaedic surgeon Pushpinder S. Bajaj, who specialises in sport injuries calls this figure, "the tip of the iceberg".
Asks Bajaj: "Is there any record at all of all those sports people who get banned substances over the counter easily, those who evade tests which are rarely run at the state and national level and those who use "cycling" (see box) to fool organisers?"
Why are steroids banned?
Anabolic steroids such as nandralone may improve the body's capacity to train and compete, reduce fatigue and recovery after physical exertion and promote the development of muscle tissue in the body, but apparently, our sports persons who use IOC's list of banned substances (see box) are not aware of the contingent risks.
By disturbing the body's equilibrium, anabolic steroids can potentially cause damage to many of the body's major organs, particularly the liver. They could trigger an expansion of the cardiac muscle, which can cause heart attacks. If used by those below 16 years, it stops the growth of bones. However, an early grave should be the strongest deterrent.
Why do Indian sportsmen continue to use them?
Simply because the stakes are high. As football coach Amal Dutta explains: "Sports has turned into business and a source of livelihood for many. Players are taking the risk for quick success: medals, money, jobs and endorsements."
Some lack self-confidence and buckle to peer pressure while others are plain ignorant. Those like Jyotirmoyee Sikdar may be low on info, but has her ethics right. "I don't know much about banned substances, but I have always avoided medication during an event. I believe these substances can't help you win."
However, sport medics like Bajaj say they find it extremely difficult to reason with many sport persons for whom the trainer's word is gospel. Says SAI DG Shekhar Dutt, "We not only have awareness programmes for sports people, but especially for trainers too — weight lifter Madaswamy's trainer was sacked and is not allowed into our premises."
Coach Dutta admits: "I had had very little knowledge of doping and its side-effects early in my coaching career, today's coaches are better informed." Under duress or bad advise, many continue to pin their hopes on dope.
(Inputs from Madhu Jawali in Bangalore and Raju Bhattacharjee in Kolkata)
TOI Comment
Sports organisations would do a signal service if they were to publicise a list of banned drugs. Our athletes need doctors and other experts who can monitor their diet and training, and prevent inadvertent intake of illegal substances.

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