Big blow for India as wrestler Deepak fails dope test, ruled out of Asian Games
Indian wrestling has suffered another setback ahead of the Asian Games, with Greco-Roman wrestler Deepak being removed from the national contingent after returning an adverse doping result. His withdrawal further reduces India’s representation at the continental event, according to a report from PTI.
Deepak’s case comes after two other Indian wrestlers, Mukul Dahiya in the men’s freestyle 86kg category and Deepanshu in the Greco-Roman 130kg division, also lost their places in the Asian Games squad due to separate doping cases.
The 25-year-old Delhi wrestler had earned a place in the Indian team after an impressive run in recent months. Deepak, who works with the Indian postal service, became the first wrestler from the department to qualify for the Asian Games. He had emerged as an unexpected winner at the selection trials in Lucknow on May 31, following a medal-winning performance at the Federation Cup.
According to a notice issued by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), a urine sample provided by Deepak during the selection trials showed an atypical finding for clomifene. The substance is prohibited under the S4 category of Hormone and Metabolic Modulators in the 2026 World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List.
NADA stated that the sample result was first classified as an atypical finding on July 23. After conducting an investigation and interviewing Deepak on August 17, the agency proceeded with the matter as an Adverse Analytical Finding.
Clomifene is a medication commonly used in the treatment of infertility in both men and women.
DEEPAK NOT YET SUSPENDED
NADA’s notice clarified that Deepak has not been provisionally suspended and remains eligible to compete unless a suspension or period of ineligibility is imposed later.
However, if the anti-doping violation is established, his results from the date of sample collection on May 31, 2026, could be disqualified. The violation will be confirmed if the B-sample also detects clomifene or if Deepak chooses to waive the B-sample analysis.
WFI CAN’T TAKE A RISK
A WFI official said the federation decided to remove Deepak from the squad to avoid the risk of a hefty penalty. If he were to test positive during the Asian Games, the world governing body UWW could fine the federation up to Rs 20 lakh.
“Deepak had indeed surprised coaches by winning the trials. He was never part of the national camp that is why he was never tested enough. He came to trials stage through his medal at the Federation Cup.
“We are withdrawing him from the squad,” said the official.
According to the NADA notice, Deepak did not mention taking any medication linked to the prohibited substance on his doping control form. The agency also noted that he failed to provide supporting documents, such as bills or purchase receipts, for the dietary supplements he claimed to have used.
NADA further stated that Deepak did not have a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) for clomifene and found no irregularities in the testing or laboratory procedures that could account for the result. The agency concluded that the wrestler had not provided a satisfactory explanation for the substance detected in his sample.
Deepak can still contest the finding by requesting the testing of his B-sample. He has seven days from receiving the notification to make that request.
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