Gomathi Marimuthu, 30, who won the 800 metres gold at the Asian Championships last month, was yesterday handed a provisional suspension after being tested positive for a banned substance.

The 'A' sample of the runner from Tamil Nadu, who clocked 2 minute and 2.70 seconds to win the gold on April 22, has returned positive for a steroid in the test conducted during the Asian Athletics Championships in Doha. If her 'B' sample also tests positive, she faces a maximum ban of four years as this will be her first doping offence. "Yes, Gomathi has tested positive for a steroid and she has been placed under provisional suspension," a top source told PTI on condition of anonymity.