FARIDABAD: Are athletes using banned substances at the state sports stadium?During a visit to the govt-run facility in Sector 12 on Monday, this correspondent found syringes and drugs strewn across the washroom floor is the question on everyone’s lips at a govt-run sports facility following the recovery of a large number of used syringes, allegedly linked to banned substances, from different washrooms.These drugs — such as darbepoetin alfa, anabolic steroids and morphine sulfate — are strictly prohibited under anti-doping regulations as they artificially enhance stamina, suppress pain and accelerate recovery while posing severe health risks.“Darbepoetin alfa is used for anaemia related to kidney disease or chemotherapy. It boosts red blood cell production, and because it can improve oxygen-carrying capacity, it has also been misused as a doping substance by endurance athletes and swimmers,” a doctor told TOI in response to a question about an empty pack of Dargen 40 (a darbepoetin alfa brand) that was seen lying on the floor of a washroom.
The washrooms are located near the athletics, gymnastics and judo halls. Facility officials said many more were dumped in the old building of the complex.Asked if the syringes could have been used by outsiders, coaches at the stadium, speaking anonymously, said it was unlikely. “This is not the work of outsiders. These are players who train here regularly, who know the timings, the blind spots and the lack of monitoring,” said a senior coach. Another added, “No outsider comes here to inject themselves in broken washrooms. These injections are being used by trained athletes chasing quick results. They think it gives instant power and speed, but in reality, it is destroying them from the inside.”A trainee at the complex did not contradict the coaches. “Everyone wants instant results. Some players feel injections are the only way to survive,” said the trainee. Sports experts warn that misuse of such substances can cause hormonal imbalance, liver and kidney damage, heart problems and long-term psychological issues. A single failed dope test can also lead to a lifetime ban, ending a sporting career abruptly. “One injection can wipe out years of hard work,” a coach said.After this correspondent inquired about the syringes, officials displayed a warning on the walls near the stadium washrooms, stating: “The consumption of intoxicants is strictly prohibited at the Sports Complex, Sector 12. Any player or outsider found consuming intoxicants on the premises will be handed over to the police for further action.” The notice was issued on the orders of the district sports officer, Faridabad.Acting district sports officer Niresh Yadav also directed security staff to conduct strict checks on everyone entering the building. According to Yadav, anyone found possessing or using narcotic or banned substances will be immediately handed over to the police for legal action. The department has stated that such activities pose a direct threat to discipline, safety and the future of athletes.Athletics coach Dharmendra and junior coach Bhupendra were, meanwhile, assigned direct responsibility for supervision of the building, with a clear warning that any further recovery of drugs or syringes from washrooms will be treated as a serious security lapse. Copies of the directive have been sent to senior sports authorities in Panchkula and Gurgaon for strict regional monitoring.Child, adolescent and forensic psychiatrist at Fortis Healthcare Dr Astik Joshi said, “Performance-enhancing substance misuse among professional athletes is often driven by intense competitive pressure and the fear of underperforming. When sportspersons struggle with physical pain or mental stress that affects performance, the risk of misuse increases. Substances like morphine may be used to suppress pain beyond safe limits, while drugs such as darbepoetin are misused to boost endurance by increasing oxygen delivery to muscles. Although these drugs have valid medical uses, their non-therapeutic use can mask injury, strain the body unnaturally, and pose serious health risks.”India has recorded the highest number of doping offenders globally for the third consecutive year, according to the latest World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) report. According to the WADA’s 2024 report, India recorded 260 positive doping cases from 7,113 samples — a 3.6% positivity rate. This figure is more than double of any other nation’s numbers, as no other country exceeded a 1.75% positivity rate in 2024.
