Faridabad Sports Stadium Shocked by Discovery of Banned Substance Syringes
Are athletes using banned substances at the state sports stadium in Faridabad? This question now dominates conversations at the government-run facility in Sector 12. During a recent visit on Monday, this correspondent discovered syringes and drugs scattered across washroom floors. The recovery of numerous used syringes, allegedly linked to prohibited substances, has sparked serious concerns.
Evidence Points to Doping Practices
The drugs found include darbepoetin alfa, anabolic steroids, and morphine sulfate. Anti-doping regulations strictly prohibit these substances because they artificially boost stamina, suppress pain, and speed up recovery. These practices carry severe health risks for athletes.
A doctor explained the misuse of one substance to TOI. "Darbepoetin alfa treats anemia related to kidney disease or chemotherapy," the doctor said. "It increases red blood cell production. Because it improves oxygen-carrying capacity, endurance athletes and swimmers sometimes misuse it as a doping substance." The doctor responded to questions about an empty pack of Dargen 40, a darbepoetin alfa brand, found on a washroom floor.
Washrooms Near Training Areas
The washrooms sit close to athletics, gymnastics, and judo halls. Facility officials revealed that many more syringes were dumped in the old building of the complex. Coaches at the stadium, speaking anonymously, dismissed the possibility of outsiders using these syringes.
"This is not the work of outsiders," a senior coach stated. "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 challenge the coaches' claims. "Everyone wants instant results," the trainee said. "Some players feel injections are the only way to survive."
Health Risks and Career Consequences
Sports experts warn that misusing such substances can cause multiple health problems. These include hormonal imbalance, liver and kidney damage, heart issues, and long-term psychological effects. A single failed dope test can also lead to a lifetime ban, abruptly ending a sporting career.
"One injection can wipe out years of hard work," a coach emphasized.
Immediate Official Response
After this correspondent inquired about the syringes, officials displayed warnings on walls near the 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 in Faridabad ordered this notice.
Acting district sports officer Niresh Yadav directed security staff to conduct strict checks on everyone entering the building. Yadav stated that anyone found possessing or using narcotic or banned substances will be immediately handed over to the police for legal action. The department declared that such activities pose a direct threat to discipline, safety, and athletes' futures.
Athletics coach Dharmendra and junior coach Bhupendra received direct responsibility for supervising the building. Officials warned them that any further recovery of drugs or syringes from washrooms will be treated as a serious security lapse. Copies of the directive went to senior sports authorities in Panchkula and Gurgaon for strict regional monitoring.
Psychological Pressures Behind Doping
Dr. Astik Joshi, a child, adolescent, and forensic psychiatrist at Fortis Healthcare, commented on the issue. "Performance-enhancing substance misuse among professional athletes often stems from intense competitive pressure and fear of underperforming," Dr. Joshi said. "When sportspersons struggle with physical pain or mental stress affecting performance, the risk of misuse 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. Although these drugs have valid medical uses, their non-therapeutic use can mask injury, strain the body unnaturally, and pose serious health risks."
India's Doping Record
India has recorded the highest number of doping offenders globally for the third consecutive year. The latest World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) report reveals this troubling trend. According to WADA's 2024 report, 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.
