In a big setback to India’s shooting team, pistol shooter Gaurav Kumar Masoori of Baghpat, who was selected for both the 2026 Asian Games and the upcoming ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou, China, has been caught in a doping controversy after testing positive for a banned substance.

Masoori has been issued an adverse analytical finding (AAF) notification by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) after his sample tested positive for propranolol and its metabolite, 4-hydroxy-propranolol.

Propranolol is a beta blocker that lowers heart rate and is prohibited in precision sports such as shooting because it can provide a competitive advantage. According to the NADA notification, Masoori remains eligible to compete as he has not been provisionally suspended.

However, the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has removed him from the Asian Games squad. Akash Bharadwaj will now represent India in the 10m air pistol event alongside Kedarling Uchaganve and Kamaljeet at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

NRAI Secretary General Pawan Singh has confirmed the development. He said they had to take the decision to replace his name in the Asian Games squad as he has been issued a notification.

Masoori’s sample was collected during the Kumar Surendra Singh Memorial Shooting Championship held in New Delhi from April 28 to May 15. Masoori had declared the use of a painkiller in his doping control form. His coach, Shekhar Tomar, said a reply had already been submitted to NADA.

While the NRAI has replaced Masoori in the Asian Games squad, organisers of the ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou have declined India’s request to make a replacement in the entry list. It remains to be seen whether the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) elevates Jai Prakash Malviya to take Masoori’s place in the Indian contingent.

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