NEW DELHI, Aug 6, 2023 (BSS/AFP) - India's anti-doping agency has
provisionally suspended a 14-year-old swimmer from competing after testing
positive for a banned substance ahead of next month's Asian Games in China.

The swimmer, whose name was not disclosed, is among 36 athletes suspended by
India's National Anti-Doping Agency this year, according to an updated list
published on the agency's website this week.

The minor tested positive for 19-norandrosterone, a banned performance-
enhancing steroid that is known to increase muscle strength and help speed up
recovery.

This year the US anti-doping agency has suspended three athletes for taking
the substance.

Indian media first revealed the swimmer's suspension on Saturday along with
Owais Sarwar Ahenger, a Wushu martial artist expected to compete at the Asian
Games starting in Hangzhou on September 23.

Ahenger tested positive for the same steroid as well as a banned stimulant.

India has ranked high in the number of recent doping violations alongside
Russia and Italy, according to a World Anti-Doping Agency report released in
2021.