Kunjarani in anti-doping panel

The appointment of weightlifter N. Kunjarani Devi as a member of the Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel (ADDP) had a hint of irony following the revamp of the anti-doping panels by the Sports Ministry.

Kunjarani, who was suspended for a doping offence in 2001 when she tested positive for stimulant strychnine in the Asian championships and served a six-month suspension, can now be part of a panel that hears anti-doping cases against athletes and pronounces verdicts.

The appointment of weightlifter N. Kunjarani Devi as a member of the Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel (ADDP) had a hint of irony following the revamp of the anti-doping panels by the Sports Ministry.

Kunjarani, who was suspended for a doping offence in 2001 when she tested positive for stimulant strychnine in the Asian championships and served a six-month suspension, can now be part of a panel that hears anti-doping cases against athletes and pronounces verdicts.

READ: Sports Ministry to set up committee to resolve women athletes' grievances

Also of interest is the nomination of two cricketers — Vinay Lamba and Virender Sehwag – in the appeal panel.

In all probability this is the first time a cricketer has been brought into a panel. It assumes significance as the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) recently rejected the plea of the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) to fall in line with the rest.

Reeth Abraham (athletics), Rohit Rajpal (tennis), Akhil Kumar (boxing) and Jagbir Singh (hockey) were among the well known sports persons who have been appointed in the anti-doping panels.