Indian runner Abhishek Pal, who participated in the Asian Games, filed a report with NADA for doping

Distance athlete Abhishek Pal, who was participating in the Asian Games, was embroiled in a doping controversy after the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) served him a notice for an apparent rule violation. Pal has not been given a suspension at this stage, leaving his participation in the upcoming Asian Games uncertain.

Pal is in India’s 72-member athletics team for the Japan Games and is slated to compete in the 5,000m and 10,000m events. According to a source familiar with the development, a very small amount of the banned substance was detected in his sample.

“A very small amount of banned substance was found in his drug sample and NADA sent him a notice,” a source told PTI on condition of anonymity.

The substance involved is considered a potential female fertility drug, making the circumstances of the case particularly unusual.

“The banned substance is also something surprising. I am sure he will ask NADA to investigate,” the source added.

Pal is expected to seek an early resolution given the proximity of the Asian Games. Until the matter is investigated and a decision is taken, his position with the Indian contingent remains uncertain.

PAL’S ASIAN GAMES SPOT UNDER CLOUD

NADA’s announcement comes shortly after Pal put together an impressive domestic campaign. He won the 10,000 m title and finished second in the 5,000 m at the National Interstate Championships in June.

He also has international experience, having secured a bronze medal in the 10,000 meters at the 2023 Asian Championships. In addition, Pal spent time training in the United States as he sought to establish himself internationally.

His selection for both distance events at the Asian Games was a reward for this recent form. However, the doping announcement could now force him to deal with the issue off the track just weeks before the competition.

Since no temporary suspension has yet been imposed, Pal remains in a position to contest the case and seek an explanation for the substance found in his sample.

INDIA’S DOPING ROW GROWS AHEAD OF ASIAN GAMES

Pal’s situation comes at a time when doping scandals involving Indian athletes have raised concerns ahead of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Wrestler Mukul Dahiya was suspended NADA, while former Asian Games champion Swapna Barman was also implicated in a doping case despite announcing her retirement.

These cases contributed to scrutiny of India’s preparations and anti-doping practices ahead of the continental event.

Pal’s immediate priority is to respond to NADA’s notice and seek resolution of the case. Whether he will finally be able to start at 5,000 m and 10,000 m in Japan will depend on the outcome of these proceedings.

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Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

29 Aug 2026 08:05 IST