India’s Asian Games Wrestling Challenge Shrinks Further As Deepak Fails Dope Test

India’s wrestling campaign at the Asian Games has suffered another setback after Greco-Roman wrestler Deepak tested positive for clomifene, prompting the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to withdraw him from the squad.

The 25-year-old Delhi wrestler had earned his Asian Games berth after a surprise victory in the 67kg selection trials in Lucknow on May 31. He had entered the trials on the back of a medal-winning performance at the Federation Cup and became the first wrestler from the Indian Postal Service to secure an Asian Games spot.

According to a notification issued by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), Deepak’s urine sample collected during the trials returned an atypical finding for clomifene, a prohibited substance listed under S4, or Hormone and Metabolic Modulators, in the 2026 WADA Prohibited List.

NADA reported the finding on July 23 and, after investigating the case and interviewing Deepak on August 17, moved it forward as an Adverse Analytical Finding.

Deepak has not been provisionally suspended and can technically continue competing until the case is resolved. However, results obtained from May 31 onwards could be disqualified if an anti-doping rule violation is ultimately confirmed.

The wrestler has seven days from receiving the notification to request analysis of his B-sample. If the B-sample confirms the finding, or if he waives the test, the violation would be confirmed under the applicable rules.

The WFI said it had decided against taking any risk by retaining him in the Asian Games team, citing the possibility of a financial penalty from world governing body UWW if he returned a positive test during the Games.

Deepak’s case follows those of Mukul Dahiya and Deepanshu, leaving India with three wrestling quota places affected by doping cases.

The WFI also expressed concern over delays in receiving test results and said it plans to introduce a stricter doping policy while stepping up efforts to educate wrestlers about prohibited substances.