Indian wrestling has faced yet another major doping controversy just ahead of the continental multi-sport event, dealing a severe blow to the country's competitive lineup. Greco Roman wrestler Deepak has been officially removed from the Indian contingent heading to the Asian Games after testing positive for a banned substance. National Anti-Doping Agency procedures revealed the presence of clomiphene in his sample collected during selection trials, forcing the Wrestling Federation of India to take swift action to avoid international penalties.
Surprise Trials Victory and Detection
The twenty-five-year-old athlete from Delhi had caused a major upset by winning the selection trials held in Lucknow on May 31, securing his place in the squad after impressing observers with a medal-winning performance at the Federation Cup. According to the notification issued by the National Anti-Doping Agency, his urine sample returned positive for clomiphene, which is listed under the S4 hormone and metabolic modulators category on the World Anti-Doping Agency prohibited list. Medical experts note that this substance is typically prescribed to treat fertility issues in both men and women.
Testing Timeline and Regulations
The testing process noted initial analytical irregularities on July 23, followed by a formal review and a discussion with the wrestler on August 17, which ultimately led to the adverse analytical finding classification. Interestingly, the notification clarified that an immediate provisional suspension has not been imposed, meaning he is technically permitted to compete until a final ruling is delivered. However, officials warned that if anti-doping rule violations are officially confirmed, any competitive results achieved from the date of the sample collection onward will be completely disqualified.
Federation Concerns and Penalties
A senior Wrestling Federation of India official explained the urgency of dropping the athlete, noting that if another positive test occurred during the major games, United World Wrestling could impose a heavy financial penalty of twenty lakh rupees on the national body. The official remarked that Deepak had genuinely surprised coaches by winning the trials without ever being part of the national camp, which meant he was tested less frequently. The federation expressed frustration over delayed laboratory results, stating that if reports for Deepak, Mukul, and Dipanshu had arrived earlier, alternative wrestlers could have been sent in their place.
Next Steps for the Athlete
The recent development means India has now lost multiple quota spots in wrestling due to doping issues, with Mukul Dahiya and Dipanshu having faced similar setbacks earlier. The affected wrestler retains the standard regulatory right to challenge the initial finding by requesting a secondary analysis of the B sample, provided such a request is officially submitted within seven days of receiving the notice. As administrative deadlines approach, the national federation continues to grapple with selection challenges while preparing the remaining squad members for upcoming international challenges.
