Archive · 28 Aug 2026
Doping Cases Prompt WFI to Tighten Indian Wrestling Rules
Several Indian wrestlers have been accused of breaking anti-doping rules.
Two wrestlers were removed from the team going to the Asian Games.
One of them reportedly received a long ban because it was his second offence.
Two younger wrestlers also tested positive and cannot compete in selection trials for the U23 World Championships.
Another wrestler was banned after missing required whereabouts checks.
The Wrestling Federation of India says athletes must know the rules themselves.
Wrestlers have been told to update their locations and be available for tests.
They must also check medicines and supplements before taking them.
Asian Games-bound wrestlers Mukul Dahiya and Deepanshu were removed from India’s squad after doping cases.
India’s wrestling contingent fell from 18 to 16 athletes, with no replacements permitted for doping violations.
Deepanshu reportedly received an eight-year ban after a second positive test for Stanozolol.
U23 medallists Nikhil and Rohit Kumar were provisionally suspended after positive competition samples.
The WFI advised athletes to update whereabouts information, check substances carefully and take personal responsibility for compliance.
- Who
- Indian wrestlers, the Wrestling Federation of India, and the National Anti-Doping Agency were involved.
- What
- Doping and whereabouts cases led to suspensions, bans, squad removals and a strict WFI anti-doping advisory.
- When
- The cases involve samples collected on May 31, U23 competition in July, and recent Asian Games selection processes; the advisory was issued afterward.
- Where
- The reported samples and events included the Sports Authority of India centre in Lucknow and the U23 Nationals in Rohtak.
- Why
- The WFI said athletes need better anti-doping education and must take personal responsibility for whereabouts reporting and substances they consume.
- Asian Games squad impact
- India’s wrestling contingent was reduced from 18 to 16 athletes.
- Mukul Dahiya
- The 86kg freestyle wrestler was provisionally suspended after testing positive for Mephentermine.
- Deepanshu
- The 130kg Greco-Roman wrestler reportedly received an eight-year ban after a second positive test for Stanozolol.
- U23 cases
- Nikhil and Rohit Kumar were provisionally suspended after competition samples tested positive for prohibited substances.
- Whereabouts case
- 2024 U23 world champion Chirag Chhikara was banned for two years after three whereabouts failures.
- Testing obligations
- Wrestlers in NADA testing pools must keep location information updated and follow the applicable 60-minute testing requirement.
- WFI response
- The federation said it would conduct anti-doping education and awareness programmes.