Why was Krishna Prasad Garaga banned from badminton?

Krishna Prasad Garaga was initially banned for testing positive for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) during an out-of-competition test in February 2024.

Has Krishna Prasad Garaga's doping ban been lifted?

Yes, the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) appeal panel set aside his four-year suspension, ruling that scientific evidence did not prove external use of the substance.

When can Krishna Prasad Garaga compete again?

Krishna Prasad Garaga's results, rankings, and eligibility were restored with immediate effect following the appeal panel's decision, making him eligible to play tournaments again.

Home / Sports / Doping Ban Lifted: Badminton Star Krishna Prasad Garaga Cleared to Play

Doping Ban Lifted: Badminton Star Krishna Prasad Garaga Cleared to Play

31 Jan

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Summary

Krishna Prasad Garaga's four-year ban was overturned by NADA appeal panel.
The panel ruled that scientific evidence did not prove external use of the substance.
Garaga, a Thomas Cup squad member, is now eligible to compete immediately.

Doping Ban Lifted: Badminton Star Krishna Prasad Garaga Cleared to Play

Indian men's doubles badminton player Krishna Prasad Garaga has been cleared to compete after the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) appeal panel overturned his four-year ban. The suspension, imposed in February 2024 after a positive test for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), was set aside earlier this month. The panel concluded that scientific evidence did not substantiate external use of the substance, reinstating Garaga's results, rankings, and eligibility with immediate effect.

Garaga, a member of India's 2022 Thomas Cup-winning team and a double gold medallist at the South Asian Games, found the ban extremely challenging. He expressed significant relief, stating, "It has been almost one and a half years, and the toughest part would be still going to train and hoping that the decision comes my way." He maintained his training regimen, supported by family, friends, and the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy, even while facing uncertainty about his future in the sport.