Published 11:56 IST, December 11th 2019

Was a mistake, hoping for light punishment: shooter Ravi Kumar on doping violation

World Cup medal-winning rifle shooter Ravi Kumar, who has failed a dope test, says his is a case of inadvertent intake, & hope he would get a lighter punishment

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World Cup medal-winning rifle shooter Ravi Kumar, who has failed a dope test, says his is a case of inadvertent intake, an explanation he hopes would fetch him a lighter-than-expected punishment from National Anti-Doping ncy (NADA). 29-year-old Kumar, who has t been with national team since World Cup in Munich last May, is a bronze-winner from Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and 2014 Asian Games in 10m air rifle competitions. He tested positive for propralol during a domestic competition here. substance is used to treat high blood pressure and is on prohibited list of World Anti-Doping ncy (WADA).

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"I had taken medicine to treat migraine inadvertently. It was after being prescribed by my doctor at home days before I was tested during Kumar Surendra Nath Memorial Meet in May-June," Kumar told PTI.

"I explained everything to NADA and y understood but told me that my only mistake was that I did t disclose while being tested that  I had taken medicine, which contains a substance that is banned in shooting. It is used for migraine and high blood pressure," he added.

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Kumar is t going to seek a 'B' sample test and has accepted findings. maximum punishment after accepting A sample findings is two years but Kumar is hoping for a lighter ban. NADA disciplinary panel will be deciding on quantum of punishment in next few days.

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"I am hopeful of result coming in my favour since I had taken specified substance without kwing it. I also clearly told my doctor that I am a sportsperson," he said.

"While National Rifles Association of India (NRAI) has allowed me to compete in domestic events after getting clearance from NADA, I was t entitled for India selection, and hence, missed out tournaments such as Asian Championships (which was an Olympic quota event)," he added.

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Kumar said although his Olympic dream is w over, he would fight to ensure that he can be back in reckoning as soon as possible.

"My last World Cup was in Munich and I feel four years of my hard work for Olympics is going down drain. But I hope result will come quickly, this month, and I will fight till last moment" he said. 

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11:51 IST, December 11th 2019