Twenty-four-year-old Indian athlete Vivek More tested positive for a cocktail of substances: meldonium, mephentermine, and darbepoetin (dEPO). For all the drugs, he was not that good.
The distance runner was to receive a six-year provisional suspension, however, had a one-year reduction for admitting fault.
Results from December 15, 2024, are annulled and the suspension commences on February 21, 2025.
While mephentermine is a non-specified drug, meldonium is prescribed for cardiovascular, neurological, and metabolic conditions due to its anti-ischaemic and cardioprotective effects. It was developed in Latvia during the 1970s. DEPO used for patients on kidney dialysis or for those not on dialysis. Anemia can also occur in people who are receiving chemotherapy to treat cancer. Darbepoetin alfa is used to treat severe anemia in these patients. This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
More holds personal bests of 29:58.81 in the 10,000m and 14:28.75 in the 5000m events. His best half marathon was just 1:07:33, perhaps he should fire his pharmacist.
More is the second athlete in two days from India who the Athletics Integrity Unit announced suspended for doping. Both from in-competition tests at the Bajaj Allianz Pune Half Marathon in Pune, India.
