20 Maharashtra athletes tested by NADA

NADA, which followed a process called ‘mission target’ in choosing athletes to submit samples, identified 17 athletes on the first day, and marked three of them on day two, according to the organisers.

Jaykumar Gavade, who won the men’s 100m dash at the University stadium (2nd from right) . He also won the men's 200m a day later.

Athletes from 34 districts across Maharashtra, who were in Mumbai for the 69th State Senior Athletics Championships underwent dope testing at the University Stadium, as part of an initiative taken by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.

The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), which followed a process called ‘mission target’ in choosing athletes to submit samples, identified 17 athletes on the first day, and marked three of them on day two, according to the organisers.

Not all of the identified athletes were medallists. A few who did not make the podium were also tagged.

“The athlete submitting the urine sample sealed the bottle by himself or herself,” said one of the officials. “Our role is to collect samples and transmit them to the New Delhi centre as per regulations.”

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Athletes were affected by extreme humidity on both days, resulting in difficulty in submitting the required samples.

The 100m medallists Jaykumar Gavade (who later won the 200m too), Kiran Bhonsale and Kshitij Bhoite were in the testing room for over three hours which led to the medal ceremony being delayed.

NADA had conducted tests at the Kerala State meet earlier. The Maharashtra meet was conducted by the Bombay City District Athletics Association.