Faridabad Sports Stadium Exposed: Banned Drugs Found in Washrooms
Are athletes using banned performance-enhancing drugs at the state sports stadium in Faridabad? A shocking discovery at the government-run facility in Sector 12 points toward a serious doping problem. During a visit on Monday, this correspondent found syringes and drug packs scattered across washroom floors.
Prohibited Substances Identified
The drugs included darbepoetin alfa, anabolic steroids, and morphine sulfate. All these substances are strictly prohibited under anti-doping regulations. They artificially boost stamina, suppress pain, and speed up recovery while creating severe health risks for users.
An empty pack of Dargen 40, a darbepoetin alfa brand, was spotted on a washroom floor. A doctor explained to TOI that darbepoetin alfa treats anemia related to kidney disease or chemotherapy. It increases red blood cell production, improving oxygen-carrying capacity. This makes it attractive for misuse by endurance athletes and swimmers seeking unfair advantages.
Coaches Point Finger at Regular Athletes
The washrooms sit near athletics, gymnastics, and judo halls. Facility officials revealed many more syringes were dumped in the old building of the complex. When asked if outsiders could have used these syringes, coaches at the stadium dismissed the possibility.
"This is not the work of outsiders," said a senior coach speaking anonymously. "These are players who train here regularly. They know the timings, the blind spots, and the lack of monitoring."
Another coach 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 these claims. "Everyone wants instant results. Some players feel injections are the only way to survive," the trainee stated.
Health Risks and Career Consequences
Sports experts warn that misusing such substances causes hormonal imbalance, liver and kidney damage, heart problems, and long-term psychological issues. A single failed dope test can lead to a lifetime ban, abruptly ending a sporting career.
"One injection can wipe out years of hard work," a coach emphasized.
Officials Respond with Warnings and Security Measures
After inquiries about the syringes, officials displayed warnings on walls near stadium washrooms. The notice states, "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 district sports officer of Faridabad ordered this notice.
Acting district sports officer Niresh Yadav directed security staff to conduct strict checks on everyone entering the building. Yadav stated anyone found possessing or using narcotic or banned substances will be immediately handed over to police for legal action. The department declared such activities threaten discipline, safety, and athletes' futures.
Athletics coach Dharmendra and junior coach Bhupendra received direct responsibility for building supervision. They received a clear warning that any further recovery of drugs or syringes from washrooms will be treated as a serious security lapse. Copies of this directive went to senior sports authorities in Panchkula and Gurgaon for strict regional monitoring.
Psychological Pressure Drives Misuse
Dr. Astik Joshi, a child, adolescent, and forensic psychiatrist at Fortis Healthcare, explained the psychology behind such misuse. "Performance-enhancing substance misuse among professional athletes often stems from intense competitive pressure and fear of underperforming," Dr. Joshi said.
He added that when sportspersons struggle with physical pain or mental stress affecting performance, misuse risk increases. Substances like morphine may suppress pain beyond safe limits. Drugs such as darbepoetin are misused to boost endurance by increasing oxygen delivery to muscles. While these drugs have valid medical uses, their non-therapeutic use can mask injury, strain the body unnaturally, and pose serious health risks.
India's Global Doping Problem
This incident highlights a broader national issue. India has recorded the highest number of doping offenders globally for three consecutive years, according to the latest World Anti-Doping Agency report. The WADA 2024 report shows India recorded 260 positive doping cases from 7,113 samples. This represents a 3.6% positivity rate.
No other country exceeded a 1.75% positivity rate in 2024, making India's figure more than double that of any other nation. The discovery at Faridabad's sports stadium underscores the urgent need for better monitoring and education to combat doping in Indian sports.
