Parvej Khan, a middle-distance runner who recently captivated the Indian athletics scene with his impressive performances in the United States NCAA circuit, has been provisionally suspended by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). The 19-year-old athlete tested positive for Erythropoietin (EPO), a banned substance, following samples collected during the National Inter-State Athletics Championships held at the Tau Devi Lal Stadium in Panchkula on June 27 and 28.
From Record-Breaker to Suspension: Parvej Khan
Parvej Khan, who clocked a time of 3:42.95 to win the men’s 1500m final at the Championships, now finds himself facing the most significant challenge of his young career. His suspension is not yet reflected on the NADA website, as the list has not been updated since July 1. However, reliable sources confirm that Khan has been officially notified of his provisional suspension, marking a major setback for the young athlete who had quickly risen through the ranks.
Parvej Khan first gained attention in 2019 when he broke the long-standing National record for the boys’ U16 800m with a time of 1:54.78 at the National Junior Athletics Championships in Guntur.
His transition to senior-level competition was marked by his victory over Ajay Kumar Saroj in the men’s 1500m at the National Inter-State Athletics Championships in Warangal in 2021. The following year, he joined the Indian Navy and continued to dominate, winning the metric mile at the Services Athletics Championships in Bengaluru.
Parvej Khan: Promising Career Now in Jeopardy
Parvez Khan’s achievements extended internationally when he earned a scholarship to the University of Florida after an injury during a training camp in Colorado Springs. His performances during the NCAA indoor season turned heads, particularly when he became the first Indian to run a sub-4-minute mile at the Razorback Invitational in Arkansas.
His success continued with a personal best of 3:36.21 in the 1500m at the Portland Track Festival on June 9, the second fastest time ever by an Indian, only behind Jinson Johnson’s 3:35.24.
The suspension has cast a shadow over Parvez Khan’s budding career, which had sparked considerable hope among fans and experts alike. The NCAA, where Khan made his mark, is not a signatory of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code and runs its own anti-doping programme. While it tests for various banned substances, including steroids and peptide hormones, the recent findings by NADA have brought Khan’s achievements under scrutiny.
Future in Limbo as Investigation Continues
Parvez Khan’s provisional suspension raises questions about the future of his career and the implications of his positive test on his eligibility for upcoming competitions. As the investigation continues, the athletics community in India and abroad awaits further developments, hoping that this setback will serve as a critical reminder of the importance of clean sport.
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