It has been one of the longest battles for Indian gymnast Dipa Karmakar, who will return to the sport in July this year after her 21-month suspension for “unknowingly ingesting a banned substance” in 2021 was reduced by three months.
"I am happy that the matter has been amicably resolved. My suspension has been reduced by three months and backdated by 2.5 months, allowing me to return to the sport I love in July 2023,” Karmakar wrote.
The 29-year-old sportswoman from India's Tripura state took to Twitter and wrote that in October last year, her sample was obtained for out-of-competition testing and sent for assessment on behalf of the Federation Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG).
Karmakar, who is the first Indian gymnast to compete in the Olympics, was shocked after being tested positive for higenamine, one of the banned substances listed by the World Anti-Doping Agency, which she unknowingly ingested and was unable to identify the source.
This prompted her to accept a provisional suspension which prohibited her from participating in all the tournaments in the Apparatus World Cup Series and at least three of the six World Challenge Cup Series.
"It has been distressing not to know how the substances entered the body and even more so to be in a position where my ethics have been questioned. Never in my career has the thought of consuming a banned substance crossed my mind," she said.
Indian Gymnast Dipa Karmakar Admits to Doping Violation After 21-Month Ban
© Photo : Twitter/@Dipakarmakar
Scores of netizens have come out in support of Karmakar who, after her ban is lifted, will be eligible to take part in the Olympics qualifier the World Championships 2023 in Antwerp starting on 23 September.
"Time to soar again," one Twitter user commented.
"We are excited for your return!! A very responsible, mindful, and respectful way to take the provisional suspension!!," remarked another user.
"More power to you," said a third.