Politics · India Bureau
Indian wrestler Deepak fails doping test ahead of Asian Games
The Wrestling Federation of India has withdrawn Greco-Roman wrestler Deepak from the Asian Games squad after he tested positive for a banned substance. The development marks the third doping case to impact India's wrestling contingent for the continental championship.
LSN India ·
Deepak, a 25-year-old Delhi-based wrestler, has been withdrawn from India's Asian Games contingent following a positive doping test, the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) confirmed. His urine sample, collected during selection trials held in Lucknow on May 31, returned an atypical finding for clomifene, a prohibited substance classified under the hormone and metabolic modulator category.
The wrestler, who competed for the Indian postal service, had earned his place on the team as a surprise winner at the selection trials. His qualification came after a medal-winning performance at the Federation Cup, marking his maiden selection for the continental Games.
The development represents the third doping-related setback for Indian wrestling at the Asian Games. The national federation previously withdrew freestyle wrestler Mukul Dahiya (86kg) and Greco-Roman competitor Deepanshu (130kg) from the squad following separate doping cases, further depleting India's wrestling strength at the showpiece event.
The cases have intensified concerns about doping violations within Indian wrestling ahead of the continental championship. The Wrestling Federation of India has not issued additional comments regarding the circumstances of the case or the athlete's response options.