Asian Games 2026: Indian Wrestling Hit by Third Doping Blow as Deepak Tests Positive for Clomiphene

Indian wrestling has suffered another major setback ahead of the 2026 Asian Games, with Greco Roman wrestler Deepak testing positive for a prohibited substance and subsequently being withdrawn from the country's squad.

The 25-year-old Delhi wrestler's urine sample, collected during the Asian Games selection trials in Lucknow on May 31, returned an atypical finding for Clomiphene, a substance listed under S4, Hormone and Metabolic Modulators, in the 2026 WADA Prohibited List.

Deepak's case is the third doping-related blow to India's wrestling contingent. Earlier, men's freestyle 86kg wrestler Mukul Dahiya and Greco Roman 130kg wrestler Deepanshu also lost their places in the Asian Games squad following doping cases.

Deepak had earned his place in the Indian team after producing a surprise victory at the selection trials. The wrestler, who represents the Indian Postal Service, had not been a regular member of the national camp and had impressed at the Federation Cup before securing his Asian Games berth.

According to NADA's notification, the sample was initially reported as an atypical finding on July 23. After an investigation and an interview with Deepak on August 17, the case was moved forward as an Adverse Analytical Finding.

However, Deepak has not been provisionally suspended. NADA has stated that he can continue competing unless a suspension or period of ineligibility is imposed. He has seven days from receiving the notification to request analysis of his B sample.

NADA also noted that Deepak did not declare any medication containing Clomiphene on his doping control form and failed to provide purchase documents for dietary supplements he said he had consumed. There was also no Therapeutic Use Exemption for the substance.

The Wrestling Federation of India has nevertheless decided against taking a risk and withdrawn Deepak from the Asian Games squad. A WFI official said a positive test at the Games could expose the federation to a penalty from United World Wrestling.

WFI also expressed frustration over the delay in receiving test results, claiming earlier information could have allowed it to replace all three wrestlers before the final squad was submitted. The federation has now promised stricter anti doping measures and greater athlete education.