Explained: How Hima Das' 16-month retrospective ban imposed by NADA complicates things for the sprinter

In an unusual turn of events for Hima Das, the Indian sprinter was handed a 16-month retrospective suspension by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) for a “whereabouts” failure, for which she had initially been exonerated. As per NADA’s latest announcement, the Asian Games gold medallist was suspended from 22 July 2023 to 21 November this year. Das, however, is free to compete in events going forward.

What has led to confusion, however, is the fact that the ‘Dhing Express’ had competed in events during this period, and it remains to be seen if her participation is said events is rendered null and void.

Das, who is currently training in Thiruvananthapuram, was handed the suspension under a ‘case resolution agreement’ as per the NADA website. A ‘case resolution agreement’ occurs between NADA and the athlete in question when the latter agrees to accept the sanction for his/her offence without pursuing further appeals.

Das’ participation in recent events suddenly under scanner

The 24-year-old, who had won two gold medals along with a silver in the 2018 Asian Games, had been competing in events since April and was part of the action at the Indian Grand Prix in Bengaluru as well as the National Inter-State Meet in Panchkula, Haryana in June. These events, however, will now fall in the retrospective suspension period that only came to an end last month.

Das had been provisionally suspended by NADA last year for three whereabouts failures in 12 months, only to be cleared by the Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel (ADDP) following a hearing in March. The Anti-Doping Appeal Panel (ADAP) would then uphold the ADDP’s decision to clear her of doping charges in a 4 September decision.

NADA, additionally, did not provide any details on how the two panels found Das not guilty of whereabouts failures, especially since it directly contradicts the retroactive suspension that they imposed on the athlete on Thursday.

Having been forced to limit her participation in 400-metre races due to a back injury, Das mainly competes in 100m and 200m events in which she has registered personal best timings of 11.43 seconds and 22.88 seconds respectively.