Asian Games 2026 Blow: Pistol Shooter Gaurav Kumar Masoori Dropped After Failing NADA Dope Test

Ahead of the upcoming Asian Games 2026, which is set to take place in Japan, the Indian shooting team has received a major jolt as pistol shooter Gaurav Kumar Masoori has been caught in a major doping controversy. The shooter from Baghpat was selected to represent India in 2 major tournaments- the Asian Games 2026 and the upcoming ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou, China.

According to a report by the Tribune, Masoori has been issued an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) notice by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) after his sample tested positive for propranolol and its metabolite, 4-hydroxy-propranolol.

"According to Articles 2.1 and 2.2 of the National Anti-Doping Rules, 2021, the presence of a prohibited substance in an athlete's sample and/or the use or attempted use of a prohibited substance by an athlete constitutes an anti-doping rule violation (ADRV). Accordingly, NADA India is notifying you that this AAF is being brought forward as an apparent ADRV pursuant to Articles 2.1 and 2.2 of the NADR, 2021," the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), the premier rifle agency, said in its notification.

Interestingly, the NRAI has not banned Gaurav permanently from competing, as the ban imposed on him is a provisional one. However, the association has removed him from the Asian Games squad. In place of Gaurav, Akash Bharadwaj will now represent India in the 10m air pistol event alongside Kedarling Uchaganve and Kamaljeet.

NRAI Secretary General Confirms Gaurav's Sample Collection

The Secretary General of the National Rifle Association of India confirmed the development surrounding Gaurav and said that the decision to replace him was taken quickly in a meeting due to the paucity of time. "We had to take the decision to replace his name in the Asian Games squad as he has been issued a notification. We would not have been able to make the change in time for the Games if we had delayed the decision," the NRAI Secretary General said, quoted by the Tribune.

Masoori's sample was collected during the Kumar Surendra Singh Memorial Shooting Championship, held in New Delhi from April 28 to May 15. But denying all the charges imposed by the association, Gaurav's coach, Shekhar Tomar, said that the charges are all fabricated and that the sports shooter had only taken a 'painkiller' which has been misjudged.

"In our reply, we have stated what was mentioned in the doping control form - that he had taken a painkiller. We have, however, decided not to seek testing of the B sample. All we can do now is wait for NADA's decision," Tomar said.

How Does Propranolol Help Shooters?

Propranolol is a beta blocker that lowers heart rate and is prohibited in precision sports such as shooting because it can provide a competitive advantage.