India 's six top women athletes, including Asian Games double gold medallist Ashwini Akkunji, were today handed a one year ban for flunking dope tests earlier this year.This was announced at the National Anti-Doping Agency headquarters in Delhi . NADA panel head Dinesh Dayal announced a reduced penalty period as the athletes were not found guilty of intentionally taking the banned substances.The maximum suspension stands at two years for first-time violators.NADA Director General Rahul Bhatnagar said that under the rules, there will be only one reinstatement test, which can be done the next day after their ban period is over. The six quartermilers – Mandeep Kaur, Sini Jose, Tana Mary Thomas, Priyanka Panwar, Jauna Murmu and Akkunji had failed dope tests for banned steroids.The one year ban virtually ends their chances of participating in the London Olympics next year.