According to the report, Tulika has been accused of three ‘Whereabouts Failures’ within a 12-month period. Let’s find out who Tulika Mann is and what a ‘Whereabouts’ violation means under anti-doping rules.
Why was Tulika Mann suspended?
Tulika Mann was part of the Registered Testing Pool (RTP). Athletes included in the RTP are required to keep their whereabouts information updated through the Anti-Doping Administration and Management System (ADAMS) portal.
The athlete must provide their residence, training center, regular activities, and a designated 60-minute testing window each day. During this 60-minute window, doping control officers can arrive without prior notice to collect samples.
According to the report, Tulika Mann has three ‘Whereabouts Failures’ registered against her within a 12-month period. These may include Filing Failure and/or Missed Tests. Following this, NADA has provisionally suspended her.
Judo coach’s statement
According to a PTI report, an Indian judo coach, on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Tulika Mann had missed the wearabouts three times in 12 months, following which she was being withdrawn from the Glasgow Games team based on a notice from NADA.
How long could Tulika Mann face a ban?
Under WADA’s Anti-Doping Rules (Article 2.4), three ‘Whereabouts Failures’ within a 12-month period constitute an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV). According to WADA rules, a violation of Article 2.4 carries a ban of up to two years. However, this can be reduced to a minimum of one year depending on the circumstances of the athlete’s offense.
Who is Tulika Maan? (Tulika Maan Profile)
Tulika Maan, a 27-year-old Delhi resident, is one of India’s top female judo players. She represents India in the women’s +78kg heavyweight category.
- CWG 2022 (Birmingham): Won silver medal in the +78kg category.
- Paris Olympics 2024: Represented India.
- World Championships: Leading the Indian challenge at the 2022 and 2024 World Judo Championships.
Tulika was also one of India’s strongest medal contenders in the Glasgow Games.
Tulika Mann is the second Indian Judo
athlete to be eliminated from the Glasgow Games.
- Arun Kumar (-73kg): Suspended after testing positive for banned anabolic steroids in an out-of-competition dope test.
- Tulika Mann (+78kg): Temporarily suspended due to three Whereabouts Failures in 12 months.
India had selected a 14-member judo team (7 men and 7 women) for the Glasgow Games. The team will depart for Glasgow on July 27th, and competitions will begin on July 31st. The absence of these two star athletes is expected to impact India’s medal tally.
What is ‘Whereabouts Failure’?
Under WADA’s system, athletes are subjected to out-of-competition surprise tests to maintain fairness in sports.
- Filing Failure: Not entering your location information timely or correctly.
- Missed Test: A player’s failure to appear at the designated venue within the stipulated 60-minute window.
A total of 3 ‘Filing Failures’ and ‘Missed Tests’ within a 12-month period is considered an anti-doping rule violation.