Odia star sprinter Dutee Chand has been provisionally suspended after adverse analytical findings were traced in her urine sample, as per reports in national media.
It is reported that Chand has been suspended by the Indian Olympics Committee (IOC). However, she can appeal against the suspension and can send more samples for testing.
As per the reports, the urine sample of the sprinter was collected on December 5, which returned positive for Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs).
According to the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), SARMs are a class of therapeutic compounds that have similar anabolic properties to anabolic steroids, but with reduced androgenic (producing male characteristics) properties.
Following the suspension, her career is likely to get a serious hit as the Asian Games will be held later this year.
However, Chand denied the reports and termed it fake.
Reacting on the matter, Dutee said, "I am unaware about the development. The letter which is doing rounds on the internet is a fake one and attempts are being made to tarnish my image. The letter neither has NADA's memo number, nor anyone's signature."
The 26-year-old Chand participated in the Asian Games in 2018 and won Silver medals in 100 metre and 200 metre sprints. She has also won bronze medals in 100 metre sprint in the 2013, 2017, 2019 Asian Championships.
Chand is the first Indian woman to win Gold at World University Games in 2019.