Indian distance runner Rameshwar Munjal has been banned for five years by the Athletics Integrity Unit for doping. He tested positive for Erythropoietin (EPO), the red blood cell booster.
It was at the Indian Oil WNC Navy Half Marathon, held in Mumbai, where he provided a urine sample on December 8.
On March 12, 2025, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited laboratory in New Delhi reported that the analysis of the sample had revealed the EPO as well as Darbepoetin, known as dEPO.
EPO and dEPO are prohibited substances under the WADA 2024 Prohibited List under the category S2. Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics. They are Non-Specified Substances prohibited at all times.
The ban commenced on April 14 and will last for at least five years. The standard is four years, however, there were aggravating circumstances, which can add two years to the term. There was a one-year reduction due to admitting fault early.
Having tested for more than one banned substance, EPO plus dEPO, is indeed the aggravating circumstance.
According to World Athletics’ athlete profile, Mr. Munjal has raced two half marathons. The first one was in 2022, where he finished in his personal best time of 1:08:04 in Ahmedabad (IND). His second performance was the Dec. 2024 event, where he submitted the urine sample, off a 1:09:03 performance.
Apparently, the cheating wasn’t worth the investment. While he gets to keep his personal best from 2022, he will likely have his latest performance annulled. Whatever prize money he earned (in theory) could be collected by the event — good luck with that. He cannot race again for five years. When he comes back, it is unlikely he will be readily invited to races.
