Hockey goalkeeper Adrian D’Souza caught doping

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Indian hockey goalkeeper Adrian D’Souza has tested positive for a banned substance in a random test conducted by the National Anti-Doping agency during the recent World Series Hockey tournament.

D’Souza, who skippered the Mumbai Marines team in the inaugural league, was tested along with 11 others during the tournament.

And even though Nada “remained firm” that the player’s identity could not be made public, an ambiguous mail made its way to the media on Thursday night, naming D’Souza.

And given the 27-year old’s runs-in with authority over the last year or so, it wasn’t hard to guess the source of the leaked news.

“As many as 12 samples were collected during the World Series Hockey, and 10 results have come so far. One of them has tested positive for tetrahydro-cannabinol, a metabolite of marijuana, and notices have been sent to the athlete, the respective federations, and the organisers,” Nada director general Rahul Bhatnagar said.

“As cannabinol is a specified substance, there will be no provisional suspension imposed on the athlete. He can participate in tournaments during the hearings and if a ban is imposed, it would be from the date of sample collection and whatever medals or cash prizes he had won during that period, he will have to forfeit them.”

Dr P.S.M. Chandran, chief medical officer for WSH, said he was not a position to comment.
The Nada letter sent to D’Souza mentions a sample collected on March 21, containing “higher concentration of tetrahydro-cannabinol (THC), a metabolite of marijuana”.

D’Souza, can ask for a ‘B’ sample test within seven days time from the date of receipt of the order.