India ‘extremely high’ doping risk: Athletics Integrity Unit India has been elevated to a list of nations including Russia where there is an “extremely high” risk of doping, the Athletics Integrity Unit said on Monday.The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) joins the likes of Russia, Belarus, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and Ukraine in the AIU’s highest rating of Category A after being moved up from Category B.Category A means India’s athletes must now comply with more stringent anti-doping requirements.The world’s most populous country ranked in the top two for the most anti-doping violations in athletics between 2022 and 2025, the AIU said.“The doping situation in India has been high-risk for a long time and, unfortunately, the quality of the domestic anti-doping programme is simply not proportionate to the doping risk,” AIU chair David Howman said.“While the AFI has advocated for anti-doping reforms within India, not enough has changed.“The AIU will now work with the AFI to achieve reforms to safeguard the integrity of the sport of athletics, as we have done with other Category A member federations.”The AIU is an independent body tasked with fighting corruption and wrongdoing, including doping, in athletics.India is set to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, seen as a stepping stone for its ambition of staging the 2036 Olympics.World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) chief Witold Banka was in New Delhi last week and said India is the biggest producer of performance-enhancing drugs.However, he noted that India consistently leading the list of drug cheats will not hamper its chances of hosting prestigious global sporting events.Published on Apr 20, 2026 #India #extremely #high #doping #risk #Athletics #Integrity #Unit

India ‘extremely high’ doping risk: Athletics Integrity Unit
India has been elevated to a list of nations including Russia where there is an “extremely high” risk of doping, the Athletics Integrity Unit said on Monday.
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) joins the likes of Russia, Belarus, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and Ukraine in the AIU’s highest rating of Category A after being moved up from Category B.
Category A means India’s athletes must now comply with more stringent anti-doping requirements.
The world’s most populous country ranked in the top two for the most anti-doping violations in athletics between 2022 and 2025, the AIU said.
“The doping situation in India has been high-risk for a long time and, unfortunately, the quality of the domestic anti-doping programme is simply not proportionate to the doping risk,” AIU chair David Howman said.
“While the AFI has advocated for anti-doping reforms within India, not enough has changed.
“The AIU will now work with the AFI to achieve reforms to safeguard the integrity of the sport of athletics, as we have done with other Category A member federations.”
The AIU is an independent body tasked with fighting corruption and wrongdoing, including doping, in athletics.
India is set to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, seen as a stepping stone for its ambition of staging the 2036 Olympics.
World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) chief Witold Banka was in New Delhi last week and said India is the biggest producer of performance-enhancing drugs.
However, he noted that India consistently leading the list of drug cheats will not hamper its chances of hosting prestigious global sporting events.
Published on Apr 20, 2026
#India #extremely #high #doping #risk #Athletics #Integrity #Unit

Sports news athletic federation of india category a risk, athletic federation of india latest, doping in indian athletics, india termed high risk in doping, indian athletics doping issues April 20, 2026

India has been elevated to a list of nations including Russia where there is an “extremely high” risk of doping, the Athletics Integrity Unit said on Monday.

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) joins the likes of Russia, Belarus, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and Ukraine in the AIU’s highest rating of Category A after being moved up from Category B.

Category A means India’s athletes must now comply with more stringent anti-doping requirements.

The world’s most populous country ranked in the top two for the most anti-doping violations in athletics between 2022 and 2025, the AIU said.

“The doping situation in India has been high-risk for a long time and, unfortunately, the quality of the domestic anti-doping programme is simply not proportionate to the doping risk,” AIU chair David Howman said.

“While the AFI has advocated for anti-doping reforms within India, not enough has changed.

“The AIU will now work with the AFI to achieve reforms to safeguard the integrity of the sport of athletics, as we have done with other Category A member federations.”

The AIU is an independent body tasked with fighting corruption and wrongdoing, including doping, in athletics.

India is set to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, seen as a stepping stone for its ambition of staging the 2036 Olympics.

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) chief Witold Banka was in New Delhi last week and said India is the biggest producer of performance-enhancing drugs.

However, he noted that India consistently leading the list of drug cheats will not hamper its chances of hosting prestigious global sporting events.

Published on Apr 20, 2026

Source link
#India #extremely #high #doping #risk #Athletics #Integrity #Unit

Tag athletic federation of india category a risk athletic federation of india latest doping in indian athletics india termed high risk in doping indian athletics doping issues

Deadspin | Hannah Green heats up late, wins in playoff for third LA title <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/26896755.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/26896755.jpg" alt="LPGA: CPKC Women's Open - First Round" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Aug 21, 2025; Mississauga, Ontario, CAN; Hannah Green plays her tee shot at the third hole during first round play at the CPKC Women’s Open golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images  </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Australia’s Hannah Green stormed back from a six-shot deficit on the back nine and won a three-way playoff with a birdie putt to capture her third title in four years at the JM Eagle LA Championship on Sunday in Tarzana, Calif.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Green defeated South Koreans Jin Hee Im and Sei Young Kim when the trio replayed the par-4 18th hole at El Caballero Country Club.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Before that, Green made a late charge with four straight birdies and five in a six-hole span, and she needed help in the form of a bogey by then-leader Kim at the par-3 17th hole to create a tie at 17 under par. Green signed for 68, Kim settled for a 70 and Im had a 67 in the fourth round before they returned to the tee box for the playoff.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>While Im missed the fairway and the green, Green and Kim were in the fairway and Green stuck her approach reasonably closer than Kim. After Kim missed a long birdie try and cleaned up for par, Green’s putt in the 12-foot range curled right to left and dropped.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Green, 29, has won three of the four editions of the LA Championship and three of her eight LPGA victories have come at the event. She claimed the 2023 and 2024 editions that were played at Wilshire Country Club, the former coming in a three-way playoff as well.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>“I’m definitely nervous,” Green said about experiencing nerves in a playoff. “I felt like that wedge (second shot) probably flew a little bit further because of the nerves from within. No, I don’t think I would be doing this or be in contention if I wasn’t nervous. Those are the feelings that you want when you’re out here. That’s what makes you want to just do it over and over again.”</p> </section><br/><section id="section-7"> <p>Green was 12 under for the tournament while starting the 11th hole. Kim eagled that hole to push the lead to 18 under, but Green made birdie before getting on a white-hot run with birdies at Nos. 13-16.</p> </section> <section id="section-8"> <p>“Felt like I was doing what I kind of said I wanted to do yesterday: Hit more greens,” Green said. “Felt like it was quite difficult to get it close to the green. I felt like I was giving myself good opportunities but I had so many downhill putts and you just can’t really be aggressive with them.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>“I honestly didn’t think I was in the tournament still. I was just like, ‘Oh well, just go for as many pins as possible,’ and got on a nice stretch there. … I’m just fortunate enough that I at least got into the playoff.”</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Green, Im and Kim all will benefit from Saturday’s surprise announcement that the CEO of JM Eagle, Walter Wang, was raising the purse by $1 million to a total of $4.75 million. Across women’s golf, only the major championships and the CME Group Tour Championship are more lucrative.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>South Korea’s Ina Yoon (69) finished one shot out of the playoff at 16 under. Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit (70) tied for fifth at 14 under with Haeran Ryu of South Korea (66).</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>With her second win of the season, Green rose into third in the season-long Race to CME Globe points standings, behind only Nelly Korda and South Korea’s Hyo Joo Kim.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Hannah #Green #heats #late #wins #playoff #title

Deadspin | Preakness pushes date back to 22 days after Kentucky Derby May 20, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; General view of the winners circle at Pimlico Race Course. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images In an effort to attract more horses who compete in the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes is pushing back its date in 2027. The event at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore will be held on May 23, a Sunday, 22 days after the first leg of the Triple Crown is contested at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Over the past five years, 82 out of 95 horses that ran in the Kentucky Derby sat out the Preakness. Bill Knauf, president and general manager of the Maryland Jockey Club, said in a statement, “Moving the Preakness to the fourth weekend in May is a historic announcement. We believe the Preakness and the entire Triple Crown series are positioned for growth and great success. This extra week between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness opens the Preakness to potential participants who use modern training methods.” The Preakness also announced a broadcasting extension with NBC and Peacock through 2032. The date change includes moving the Black Eyed Susan Stakes, a top race for 3-year-old fillies, to the fourth Saturday in May. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said, “This agreement now means millions more people will be able to tune in and watch this iconic race weekend. It also means that when they view this race … it means that more people will watch and witness the greatest show in the Mid-Atlantic and continue to see Maryland on the world stage, exactly where Maryland belongs.” While the Preakness’ new date eases the tight window between the first two legs of the sport’s Triple Crown, it tightens the window between the last two. The Belmont Stakes in Elmont, N.Y., is scheduled for June 5, 2027, just 13 days after the Preakness. Knauf said, “Our focus is to preserve the tradition of horses running back in the Preakness and to enhance participation in the Triple Crown races. We acknowledge the great history of the traditional Triple Crown spacing between races, but recognize that change must always be examined. This is common in all professional sports. Now is the time for the Preakness.” The Preakness revealed its new plan in the wake of the formation of the Thoroughbred Championship Series, which will feature the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes but not the Baltimore race. The new six-race venture will feature three races at Churchill Downs, two at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., as well as the Belmont. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Preakness #pushes #date #days #Kentucky #Derby

#Deadspin #Preakness #pushes #date #days #Kentucky #Derby">

mwasimuddin125 0

May 20, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; General view of the winners circle at Pimlico Race Course. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

In an effort to attract more horses who compete in the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes is pushing back its date in 2027.

The event at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore will be held on May 23, a Sunday, 22 days after the first leg of the Triple Crown is contested at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.

Over the past five years, 82 out of 95 horses that ran in the Kentucky Derby sat out the Preakness.

Bill Knauf, president and general manager of the Maryland Jockey Club, said in a statement, “Moving the Preakness to the fourth weekend in May is a historic announcement. We believe the Preakness and the entire Triple Crown series are positioned for growth and great success. This extra week between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness opens the Preakness to potential participants who use modern training methods.”

The Preakness also announced a broadcasting extension with NBC and Peacock through 2032. The date change includes moving the Black Eyed Susan Stakes, a top race for 3-year-old fillies, to the fourth Saturday in May.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said, “This agreement now means millions more people will be able to tune in and watch this iconic race weekend. It also means that when they view this race … it means that more people will watch and witness the greatest show in the Mid-Atlantic and continue to see Maryland on the world stage, exactly where Maryland belongs.”

While the Preakness’ new date eases the tight window between the first two legs of the sport’s Triple Crown, it tightens the window between the last two. The Belmont Stakes in Elmont, N.Y., is scheduled for June 5, 2027, just 13 days after the Preakness.

Knauf said, “Our focus is to preserve the tradition of horses running back in the Preakness and to enhance participation in the Triple Crown races. We acknowledge the great history of the traditional Triple Crown spacing between races, but recognize that change must always be examined. This is common in all professional sports. Now is the time for the Preakness.”

The Preakness revealed its new plan in the wake of the formation of the Thoroughbred Championship Series, which will feature the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes but not the Baltimore race. The new six-race venture will feature three races at Churchill Downs, two at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., as well as the Belmont.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Preakness #pushes #date #days #Kentucky #Derby">Deadspin | Preakness pushes date back to 22 days after Kentucky Derby

May 20, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; General view of the winners circle at Pimlico Race Course. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

In an effort to attract more horses who compete in the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes is pushing back its date in 2027.

The event at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore will be held on May 23, a Sunday, 22 days after the first leg of the Triple Crown is contested at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.

Over the past five years, 82 out of 95 horses that ran in the Kentucky Derby sat out the Preakness.

Bill Knauf, president and general manager of the Maryland Jockey Club, said in a statement, “Moving the Preakness to the fourth weekend in May is a historic announcement. We believe the Preakness and the entire Triple Crown series are positioned for growth and great success. This extra week between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness opens the Preakness to potential participants who use modern training methods.”

The Preakness also announced a broadcasting extension with NBC and Peacock through 2032. The date change includes moving the Black Eyed Susan Stakes, a top race for 3-year-old fillies, to the fourth Saturday in May.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said, “This agreement now means millions more people will be able to tune in and watch this iconic race weekend. It also means that when they view this race … it means that more people will watch and witness the greatest show in the Mid-Atlantic and continue to see Maryland on the world stage, exactly where Maryland belongs.”

While the Preakness’ new date eases the tight window between the first two legs of the sport’s Triple Crown, it tightens the window between the last two. The Belmont Stakes in Elmont, N.Y., is scheduled for June 5, 2027, just 13 days after the Preakness.

Knauf said, “Our focus is to preserve the tradition of horses running back in the Preakness and to enhance participation in the Triple Crown races. We acknowledge the great history of the traditional Triple Crown spacing between races, but recognize that change must always be examined. This is common in all professional sports. Now is the time for the Preakness.”

The Preakness revealed its new plan in the wake of the formation of the Thoroughbred Championship Series, which will feature the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes but not the Baltimore race. The new six-race venture will feature three races at Churchill Downs, two at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., as well as the Belmont.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Preakness #pushes #date #days #Kentucky #Derby

Stefon Diggs finally has a home for the 2026 NFL season.

After putting up solid numbers for the New England Patriots last year — more on that in a moment — Diggs has signed with the Washington Commanders for the 2026 campaign. According to multiple sources, the veteran WR inked a one-year deal with the Commanders worth up to $12 million. It is something of a homecoming for Diggs, who played his high school football at Good Counsel in Olney and played his college football at Maryland.

With many readers entering fantasy draft season, the question is simple: What are the fantasy implications of Diggs signing with the Commanders?

After playing in just eight games during the 2024 season, as Diggs suffered a torn ACL in Week 8 while playing for the Houston Texans, he signed a three-year deal with the New England Patriots in May of 2025. Diggs appeared in all 17 regular-season games for New England, catching 85 passes for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns in Foxborough. Diggs led the Patriots in targets with 102 — he was the only New England receiver with more than 90 targets — and also led the team in both receptions and receiving yardage.

How he was used in New England could be a window into his usage in Washington. According to charting data from Pro Football Focus, Kayshon Boutte saw the most downfield targets on the Patriots a year ago (21) followed by Mack Hollins with 16. (Pro Football Focus defines these targets as coming 20 yards or more downfield).

Where Diggs led the way was in the short and intermediate areas of the field, often on crossing routes. Again, turning to charting data from Pro Football Focus, Diggs led the Patriots with 77 targets in the short area of the field, defined as throws between the line of scrimmage and nine yards downfield. Hollins was second on the Patriots, with only 30 such targets.

Turning now to the Commanders, last year Deebo Samuel led the team in those targets with 26. But with Samuel now in San Francisco, Diggs will be tasked with working that area of the field, allowing Terry McLaurin to continue stretching defenses in the vertical passing game. That is where McLaurin is at his best, and if you look at his 2024 numbers (when playing with a healthy Jayden Daniels) McLaurin saw a staggering 32 deep targets that season, the most on the Commanders by far.

For context, Noah Brown and Dyami Brown tied for second with nine each.

Another factor to consider is this: Washington’s new offensive coordinator. David Blough steps into the role, replacing Kliff Kingsbury. The expectation is that Blough will lean into the under-center, play-action passing game, a schematic tweak that will create opportunities for Diggs on those crossing routes underneath.

McLaurin will be Washington’s WR1, with Diggs slotting nicely into that WR2 role. He’ll see volume in this system — meaning he offers a nice boost in PPR formats — and while McLaurin could siphon the bulk of touchdowns (remember Diggs had only four a season ago) and Daniels could vulture some as well with his legs, there will be production to be gained by drafting Diggs in the later rounds as a WR3 with WR2 upside.

#Stefon #Diggs #fantasy #football #outlook #Commanders #signing #means">

mwasimuddin125 0

Stefon Diggs finally has a home for the 2026 NFL season.

With many readers entering fantasy draft season, the question is simple: What are the fantasy implications of Diggs signing with the Commanders?

For context, Noah Brown and Dyami Brown tied for second with nine each.

#Stefon #Diggs #fantasy #football #outlook #Commanders #signing #means">Stefon Diggs fantasy football outlook: What Commanders signing means for 2026

Stefon Diggs finally has a home for the 2026 NFL season.

With many readers entering fantasy draft season, the question is simple: What are the fantasy implications of Diggs signing with the Commanders?

For context, Noah Brown and Dyami Brown tied for second with nine each.

#Stefon #Diggs #fantasy #football #outlook #Commanders #signing #means

Two former Iranian women footballers said Thursday they were “proud” to have been granted Australian citizenship after being branded traitors at home for refusing to sing the national anthem before a game.

Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh were members of a group of seven from Iran’s delegation who asked for Australia’s protection following the high-profile protest during the women’s Asian Cup in March.

With their demands for protection an embarrassment for Iran’s leaders but lauded by US President Donald Trump, five later changed their minds and returned home.

Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh stayed, however, and were granted Australian citizenship at a ceremony on Wednesday overseen by interior minister Tony Burke.

“Yesterday was a truly special and unforgettable day for me. I feel proud and deeply grateful to become an Australian citizen,” Ramezanisadeh said in a statement.

“After everything we’ve been through and all the challenges we faced, this moment means more than words can express,” Pasandideh added.

A week after seeking asylum, the pair was pictured smiling and training with Australian club Brisbane Roar, which on Wednesday congratulated the pair.

“What they have been through since February is more than most people deal with in a lifetime,” a spokesman for the club said.

“To see them arrive at this point is something everyone here at Brisbane Roar is glad to have had a small part in,” they added.

“Queensland is their home now. If they ever want to pull on a training top and come back out with us, the door will always stay open.”

ALSO READ: Iran women football players thank Australian government for protection

The plight of the rest of the team remains unclear since their return to Iran.

AFP reporters saw them cross into their homeland from Turkey on a bus wearing the national team tracksuits and with their hair covered.

Soon after, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on X that the players and their support team were “children of the homeland and the people of Iran embrace them”.

By returning, they had “disappointed the enemies (of Iran) and did not surrender to deception and intimidation by anti-Iran elements”, he added.

Published on Aug 06, 2026

#Iranian #women #footballers #granted #Australian #citizenship">

mwasimuddin125 0

Two former Iranian women footballers said Thursday they were “proud” to have been granted Australian citizenship after being branded traitors at home for refusing to sing the national anthem before a game.
Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh were members of a group of seven from Iran’s delegation who asked for Australia’s protection following the high-profile protest during the women’s Asian Cup in March.
With their demands for protection an embarrassment for Iran’s leaders but lauded by US President Donald Trump, five later changed their minds and returned home.
Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh stayed, however, and were granted Australian citizenship at a ceremony on Wednesday overseen by interior minister Tony Burke.
“Yesterday was a truly special and unforgettable day for me. I feel proud and deeply grateful to become an Australian citizen,” Ramezanisadeh said in a statement.
“After everything we’ve been through and all the challenges we faced, this moment means more than words can express,” Pasandideh added.
A week after seeking asylum, the pair was pictured smiling and training with Australian club Brisbane Roar, which on Wednesday congratulated the pair.
“What they have been through since February is more than most people deal with in a lifetime,” a spokesman for the club said.
“To see them arrive at this point is something everyone here at Brisbane Roar is glad to have had a small part in,” they added.
“Queensland is their home now. If they ever want to pull on a training top and come back out with us, the door will always stay open.”
ALSO READ: Iran women football players thank Australian government for protection
The plight of the rest of the team remains unclear since their return to Iran.
AFP reporters saw them cross into their homeland from Turkey on a bus wearing the national team tracksuits and with their hair covered.
Soon after, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on X that the players and their support team were “children of the homeland and the people of Iran embrace them”.
By returning, they had “disappointed the enemies (of Iran) and did not surrender to deception and intimidation by anti-Iran elements”, he added.
Published on Aug 06, 2026

#Iranian #women #footballers #granted #Australian #citizenship">Former Iranian women footballers granted Australian citizenship