Karachi: The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has announced bans on eight athletes for violating anti-doping regulations, following positive test results from samples collected at various times in 2024. The decision was revealed on Friday, as part of PSB’s ongoing efforts to ensure clean and fair competition in sports.

A PSB spokesperson stated that a total of 140 anti-doping tests were conducted throughout 2024, with 13 athletes testing positive for banned substances. While eight of these athletes have now been formally sanctioned with bans, five others have been issued notices and remain under review for potential disciplinary action.

Among those banned, five weightlifters, one bodybuilder, one cyclist, and one sprinter were found guilty of doping violations. Weightlifters Furqan Ahmed, Jamil Akhtar, and Muhammad Yousaf received three-year bans, while Ghulam Hussain Shahid was handed a four-year suspension. Another weightlifter, Arsalan Rauf, was suspended for three years. Cyclist Natalia Khan and sprinter Anis Khan were both banned for three years, whereas bodybuilder Kashif Shah received a four-year suspension.

In addition, shot put athlete Mahnoor Dogar and middle-distance runner Rabeela Farooq also returned positive results, and their cases are currently under review. Notices have also been issued to sprinter Naveed Anjum and weightlifters Malik Subhan and Hamad Ali, whose sanctions are still being processed.

A PSB spokesperson emphasized the organization’s zero-tolerance policy towards doping and affirmed that strict enforcement aligns with the guidelines set by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The spokesperson further stated that beyond punitive measures, PSB is committed to educating athletes about the risks and consequences of doping to promote a culture of fair play in Pakistani sports.“The crackdown on doping violations demonstrates our unwavering commitment to maintaining integrity in sports,” the spokesperson said.