Indian swimmer Kunal Basak has been given a two year doping suspension, back-dated to August 20th, 2015, after testing positive for the banned substance methylhexaneamine.
Basak’s test came at the Indian Junior National Championships on July 18, 2015. The substance is the same as his countrymate Shruthi Mahalingam tested positive for at the Indian Senior National Championships in 2014. Mahalingam was given a one year suspension, though the new WADA sentencing guidelines did not go into effect until after her test.
Methyhexaneamine, also known as “geranium oil,” is commonly used in many over-the-counter dietary supplements, though it has been outlawed in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and many other countries because of the health risks associated with it.
Basak’s suspension was handed out by the Indian Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel
Basak was primarily a sprint freestyler who placed in the top 5 at the 2015 National Games in Kerala in the 50 free (25.77), 100 free (55.78), and 200 free (2:06.23) as a 17-year old.
This is disappointing. Not for this doper, but for India which deserves a strong swimming program.