New Delhi, Oct 2: Tamil Nadu sprinter Sekar Dhanalakshmi has failed a dope test for the second time, putting her athletics career in serious jeopardy.The 27-year-old had earlier tested positive for the banned anabolic steroid metandienone in May 2022 during an out-of-competition test conducted by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU). She was handed a three-year suspension, which kept her out of major events, including the Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
After serving her ban, Dhanalakshmi returned to competition and made an impressive comeback at the 2025 National Inter-State Championships in Chennai, where she won gold in the womenâs 100m (11.36s) and 200m (23.53s).
However, fresh test results have once again found her guilty of doping. Details of when and where the sample was collected have not been made public. If confirmed through the disciplinary process, Dhanalakshmi could face an extended ban of up to eight years, which may effectively end her career.
The case adds to growing concerns about doping violations in Indian athletics, especially involving athletes making comebacks after previous suspensions.