India, Nov. 28 -- In a strong message to athletes under doping sanctions, the Anti Doping Disciplinary Panel (ADDP) has slapped an additional four-year ban on national-level athlete Shipra Sarkar for participating in competitions while serving a four-year doping ban.

Shipra, a middle-distance runner, was suspended for four years, from June 29, 2020 to June 28, 2024, after she tested positive for androgens in an out-of-competition test conducted in Kolkata in February 2020. The Eastern Railway athlete from West Bengal had also approached the Anti Doping Appeal Panel (ADAP), which upheld the decision of ADDP.

The 30-year-old, however, flouted rules during her ineligibility period and participated in the All India Inter-Railways Athletics ...