JOIN USFormer India goalkeeper Adrian D'Souza has tested positive for a prohibited substance in the sample collected by National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) during the recently-concluded World Series Hockey (WSH).
D’Souza’s 'A' sample, collected on March 21, was found to have "higher concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a metabolite of Marijuana. He has violated Article 2.1 of the anti-doping rules of NADA and WADA code.
NADA has notified international body FIH, Hockey India and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) about the matter.
However, D’Souza, who played for Mumbai Marines in the WSH, will not face any provisional suspension as THC is a specified substance. He can continue to participate in tournaments even when the hearing is going on. He has the option to ask for his ‘B’ sample test, which he needs to do within seven days.
Samples of 12 players were collected during the WSH. D’Souza’s is the only one to have tested positive from the results of 10 samples that have come in so far.
WSH, which was held from February 29 to April 2, was not a sanctioned event by FIH. It remains to be seen what response the world body and HI come up with on the issue.