Indian Wrestling Grapples with Doping Scandal: Deepanshu Suspended, Asian Games Hopes Dashed
Image credit: Wrestling Federation of India
NEW DELHI: Indian wrestling has been dealt a significant blow ahead of the eagerly anticipated Asian Games, with Greco-Roman wrestler Deepanshu provisionally suspended by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). The suspension follows a failed out-of-competition dope test, revealing the presence of the prohibited anabolic steroid, stanozolol.
Deepanshu, who competes in the fiercely contested 130kg category, had earned his spot in the national squad for the continental showpiece after triumphing in the Asian Games selection trials held in Lucknow. However, this positive test has led to his immediate removal from both the national camp and the squad, casting a shadow over India’s wrestling contingent.
The ramifications of Deepanshu’s positive test extend beyond his individual participation. Ronak Dahiya, who had narrowly lost to Deepanshu in the trials and was designated as a reserve, has now been drafted into the 130kg category. This unexpected turn of events highlights the fluid and often challenging nature of elite sports, where athletes must be prepared to step in at short notice.
Investigation Details and Repeat Offense
Sources close to the matter have confirmed that Deepanshu’s sample was collected by dope control officers at the Lucknow camp. The sample was subsequently subjected to rigorous testing at the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL), where it conclusively returned positive for stanozolol.
What makes this particular doping case exceptionally serious is that it marks Deepanshu’s second offence. He had previously served a three-year ban for a doping violation involving the very same prohibited substance.
After completing his prior suspension, Deepanshu returned to competition in 2025 and subsequently regained his place in the national camp, demonstrating remarkable resilience and determination. However, as a repeat offender, he now faces the prospect of a potentially lengthy ban, which could extend up to eight years. Such a severe penalty would undoubtedly jeopardize his professional wrestling career, potentially bringing it to an abrupt end.
Impact on Asian Games Preparations
Deepanshu’s suspension has undeniably left Indian wrestling grappling with an embarrassing doping setback at a critical juncture in its preparations for the Asian Games. The timing of this revelation is particularly inconvenient, as teams are fine-tuning their strategies and ensuring peak physical condition for the upcoming multinational event.
In the wake of these developments, Ronak Dahiya has wasted no time. He has reportedly begun training alongside the main Games squad and is set to travel to Uzbekistan with other members of the Greco-Roman contingent for a crucial training-cum-exposure trip. This trip will be vital for his preparation and integration into the team’s dynamics.
A Broader Pattern of Doping Violations
This fresh doping setback for Indian wrestling unfortunately comes on the heels of similar disciplinary actions taken against Indian weightlifters selected for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. In that instance, three of the four lifters who tested positive for prohibited substances ahead of the Games have admitted their violations and accepted bans ranging from three to four years. Their suspensions, much like Deepanshu’s, have also extinguished their hopes of participating in the Asian Games.
These recurring instances of doping underscore a persistent challenge within Indian sports. They highlight the need for enhanced anti-doping education, more stringent monitoring, and a robust support system to ensure that athletes compete fairly and adhere to the principles of clean sport. The wrestling federation, along with NADA, will face increased scrutiny as they navigate these challenges and strive to maintain the integrity of the sport on the international stage.
