India’s Asian Games wrestling plan has taken a late hit after three selected wrestlers were removed following anti-doping cases. Greco-Roman wrestler Deepak, who had qualified at 67kg, is the latest name to go. He follows men’s freestyle 86kg wrestler Mukul Dahiya and Greco-Roman 130kg wrestler Deepanshu.
The timing is damaging. The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games begin in Japan on September 19, while wrestling runs from September 30 to October 3. India is now set to enter wrestling without competitors in three men’s weight classes, cutting a squad originally picked at 18 to 15. That removes three routes to the podium before the first bout begins. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Asian Games documents confirm the September 19 to October 4 Games window, while United World Wrestling lists the wrestling dates.
Key Highlights
- Deepak was withdrawn after his May 31 sample produced an adverse finding for clomifene.
- Mukul Dahiya tested positive for mephentermine, while Deepanshu tested positive for stanozolol.
- India is expected to have no entry at freestyle 86kg and Greco-Roman 67kg and 130kg.
- Indian wrestlers won six medals at the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou.
- The cases arrive amid wider doping concerns across Indian sport ahead of Aichi-Nagoya.
What Happened To Deepak, Mukul Dahiya And Deepanshu?
Deepak’s urine sample was collected during the Asian Games selection trials in Lucknow on May 31. NADA later moved the case from an atypical finding to an Adverse Analytical Finding for clomifene, which appears under hormone and metabolic modulators on NADA’s 2026 Prohibited List resources. NADA did not provisionally suspend Deepak, but the Wrestling Federation of India withdrew him from the Games while the case proceeds.
Mukul Dahiya, the Asian Championships silver medallist at 86kg, was provisionally suspended after testing positive for mephentermine. Deepanshu, selected at 130kg Greco-Roman, tested positive for stanozolol in an out-of-competition sample. WFI tried to bring reserve Ronak Dahiya into the 130kg slot, but the replacement did not appear in the final government-cleared contingent.
The delay between sample collection and notification has also become part of the story. WFI officials have said earlier communication could have provided more time to seek replacements.
Why Could Three Missing Weight Classes Hurt India’s Wrestling Medal Plan?
India came home from Hangzhou 2023 with six wrestling medals: one silver and five bronze. Deepak Punia won the silver, while Aman, Sunil Kumar, Antim Panghal, Sonam and Kiran added bronze medals. Wrestling therefore contributed to India’s record 107-medal Asian Games haul, a figure also recorded in the government’s Asian Games medal summary.
Losing three entries does not automatically mean losing three medals. Yet it removes three chances from the bracket and leaves no Indian wrestler to benefit from a favourable draw, an upset or late-form surge in those classes.
Mukul’s absence stands out because he won silver at the 2026 Asian Championships. Deepak had earned his spot by winning the selection trials, while Deepanshu had finished first in his class.
United World Wrestling’s published Asian Games entry list had included Deepak at 67kg before his withdrawal, showing how late the change arrived.
Why Has Doping Become A Wider Indian Sports Problem Again?
The wrestling cases are not isolated. Around a dozen Indian athletes across sports have faced doping-related trouble around the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games build-up. Long-distance runner Abhishek Pal was dropped from the Asian Games athletics squad after a NADA notice, while 2018 Asian Games wushu bronze medallist Surya Bhanupratap Singh was provisionally suspended after testing positive for ostarine.
The wider numbers are difficult to ignore. WADA’s 2024 testing figures recorded 260 adverse analytical findings from India, the highest total globally for a third straight year. India’s positivity rate was reported at 3.6% from 7,113 tests. Wrestling alone accounted for 29 adverse findings that year.
The Athletics Integrity Unit also placed the Athletics Federation of India in its highest-risk Category A in 2026, bringing tougher testing requirements. That adds pressure to India’s clean-sport record while the country prepares for major events and continues its 2036 Olympic ambitions.
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What Can Indian Wrestling Change Before The Next Major Event?
There is little time to repair the Asian Games entry list, but the response after Aichi-Nagoya can be practical. Testing closer to selection trials, faster reporting, tighter supplement checks and documented medical declarations could reduce late surprises.
WFI has already issued an advisory asking wrestlers to take greater care with medication, supplements and anti-doping requirements. The federation’s official notices page now carries its anti-doping compliance advisory. That step needs to reach coaches, support staff and training centres, not only athletes after a positive result appears.
For India, the immediate cost is 15 wrestlers instead of 18. The longer cost could be missed medals, damaged athlete careers and less room for selectors when a test result arrives after entry deadlines.
FAQs
When Do The 2026 Asian Games Begin?
The Asian Games begin September 19 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with wrestling scheduled later that month.
Which Three Indian Wrestlers Were Dropped?
Deepak, Mukul Dahiya and Deepanshu were removed from India’s Asian Games plans after doping findings.
Which Substance Was Found In Deepak’s Sample?
Deepak’s sample produced an adverse finding for clomifene, a prohibited hormone and metabolic modulator substance.
How Many Wrestlers Will India Now Field?
India is expected to field 15 wrestlers after three selected competitors were removed before competition.
How Many Wrestling Medals Did India Win In 2023?
India won six wrestling medals at Hangzhou 2023, with one silver and five bronze medals.
