SSC Selection Post 2025 PYQ — Question 19

Correct Answer

Santhi Soundarajan

Explanation

Santhi Soundarajan is an Indian middle-distance runner who won the silver medal in the women's 800-meter race at the 2006 Asian Games held in Doha, Qatar. Shortly after her podium finish, she was subjected to a controversial sex verification test. The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) subsequently stripped her of her silver medal and disqualified her, citing a violation of competition rules regarding gender eligibility.

Note on the Question: While some test questionnaires mistakenly attribute her disqualification to a "failed drug test", historical and sports records clarify that she was disqualified due to a failed gender eligibility test rather than any performance-enhancing drug violations.

Key Points

Santhi clocked a time of 2 minutes and 3.16 seconds to secure the second position before her medal was withdrawn.

Years later, Santhi Soundarajan disclosed that she had been diagnosed with Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS), a condition falling under Differences of Sexual Development (DSD).

Her case, along with that of fellow Indian sprinter Dutee Chand and South African runner Caster Semenya, became central to international legal and ethical battles regarding the unscientific nature of mandatory sex verification policies in sports.

Following a long struggle with social and financial hardships after her disqualification, she was appointed as an athletics coach by the regional government's sports authority in Tamil Nadu.

Important Questions and Answers

Question: In which specific track event did Santhi Soundarajan win the silver medal at the 2006 Doha Asian Games?

Answer: She won the silver medal in the women's 800-meter race.

Question: What genetic condition did Santhi Soundarajan later disclose as the underlying factor behind the test results?

Answer: She disclosed that she was diagnosed with Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS)