Indian tennis player accepts 12-month ban after testing positive in dope test

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has confirmed that an Indian player has accepted 12-month suspension for breaching Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP). The organisation has been under immense scrutiny after their verdict against Italy’s Jannik Sinner and Poland’s Iga Swiatek became controversial.

However, as per the latest press release issued by the ITIA, an Indian player, Yash Chaurasia, accepted a 12-month suspension. The 23-year-old test positive for banned substance Terbutaline in November 2024. As per the statement, the drug is classified in the category of ‘Beta-2 Agonists’. The statement stated that the investigation did not conclude in the manner which would made it mandatory for the player to receive a ban, the player voluntarily decided to accept a 12-month suspension.

According to the statement, Chaurasia ‘asserted that the positive sample resulted from consumption of the cough medicine Brozeet, which the player purchased over the counter from a pharmacy. The product lists terbutaline as an ingredient on the label.’ The report further stated that the player managed to produce receipts and a photograph of the medicine as supporting evidence, after which ITIA concluded that the substance was not taken intentionally.

The statement confirmed that the ITIA accepted the player’s response, understanding that Brozeet is a ‘commonly-used medicine’ in India. “In determining sanction, the ITIA considered the precedent set in similar cases under the World Anti-Doping Code across a number of sports, that the player consulted a reputable pharmacist in acquiring the medication, and that Brozeet is a commonly-used medication in Chaurasia’s country of origin,” the statement.

The ITIA also confirmed that during the period of suspension, Chaurasia will not be able to use any of the facilities that are accredited members of the ITIA. “During the period of ineligibility, Chaurasia is prohibited from playing in, coaching at, or attending any tennis event authorised or sanctioned by the members of the ITIA (ATP, ITF, WTA, Tennis Australia, Fédération Française de Tennis, Wimbledon and USTA) or any national association,” the statement said.