New Delhi:
Maria Sharapova’s revelation came as shock to the world and the sports fraternity. People were bewildered that a star of such a high stature can be indulged in doping. Following the test, Sharapova was dropped from upcoming Tennis tournament, she also lost many of her endorsement ties. But this not the very first time that someone of this stature has been found guilty in doping.
Here are the five stars who were mired in doping controversy:
Shoaib Akhtar
In 2006, Pakistan fast bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif were tested positive in dope test prior to Pakistan's opening match of the Champions Trophy against Sri Lanka.
Both cricketers were awarded bans of up to two years if a second test confirmed the positive result.
Martina Hingis
Tennis star Martina Hingis tested positive for cocaine during Wimbledon in 2007, her comeback year.
This wonder girl was banned for two years and quit the sport, but made a return to playing doubles in 2013. However, she has always protested her innocence.
Alberto Contador
Alberto Contador, winner of the 2010 Tour de France, tested positive for the banned anabolic agent clenbuterol during the race.
The popular sportsman was stripped of one of his three titles and banned for two years by the CAS.
Tyson Gay
Recently in May this year, former World double sprint champion Tyson Gay, was found positive on doping test. The sprinter was suspended for a year by the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).
Andre Agassi
Andre Agassi, the legend tennis star, admitted in his autobiography, 'Open', that he lied to tennis authorities about the use of addictive stimulant crystal methamphetamine to escape a ban. The revelation brought widespread criticism Agassi.
