Former Asian Games discus throw gold medallist Seema Antil has been banned for 16 months by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) for failing a dope test. The 42-year-old Punia’s suspension will be effective from November 10, as per the updated list of doping sanctions put up on the NADA website.

NADA hasn’t specified the substance found in Punia’s sample but The Indian Express understands that it was a masking agent found in a test conducted in 2024.

Punia’s last major medal came at the 2022 Asian Games where she won the bronze medal at the age of 40. It was her third medal at the continental showpiece. Before 2022, she medalled at the 2014 and 2018 editions with a gold and bronze respectively.

However, Punia has a long history with doping dating back to her junior days. At the 20

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