New Delhi, Weightlifter Sairaj Pardeshi has been provisionally suspended by the National Anti-Doping Agency for a failed dope test. The 18-year-old from Maharashtra tested positive for 'Metanolone', a banned anabolic steroid.
Sairaj, a Commonwealth Championships gold medal winner, had alleged a conspiracy to sabotage his career by a coach in October 2025. He claimed that the coach had instigated others to tamper with his food and water.
A dope test conducted in December returned positive, leading to a provisional ban. Sairaj's lawyer has appealed for him to be allowed to compete at events during the suspension.
Sairaj has been a consistent performer on the junior circuit, winning a gold medal at the Commonwealth Championship and a bronze medal at the 2024 Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships.
