Rana Gharami faces NADA's provisional suspension after failing dope test

In the first case of doping involving a footballer playing in the Indian Super League, Gharami has been provisionally suspended by the NADA. He was tested positive for using prednisone and prednisolone metabolites in an in-competition test which was conducted on January 31 during an ISL match in the national capital. As per PTI, the 28-year-old defender from the Delhi Dynamos FC camp was not having a Therapeutic Use Exemption which led to his suspension.

“ has tested positive for a banned substance and his suspension has begun from the time he got the letter [from NADA],” a club official was quoted as saying by PTI.

“He has been asked to explain how and why the banned drug went into his system and he is expected to do that.”

Prednisolone and prednisone are on the list of banned substances by NADA in section 9 under glucocorticoids. Prednisone is used to treat arthritis, blood disorders, breathing problems, severe allergies, skin diseases, cancer, eye problems, and immune system disorders among others.

Before joining the ISL club, the defender was a part of Mohun Bagan in the 2017-18 season. Now, he has the option of getting his sample B tested or accept the charge on him. As per the report, if his B sample also tests positive or the defender accepts the punishment then he will have to face a hearing panel of the national agency which will decide the punishment. There is a possible ban of four years which might be imposed on the footballer as it was his first offence under this section.