Indian judoka Arun Kumar has been withdrawn from the country’s squad for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow after returning a positive result in an out-of-competition dope test, dealing a setback to India’s preparations for the multi-sport event.

Arun, who competes in the men’s 73kg weight category, has been placed under provisional suspension by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) after testing positive for a prohibited anabolic steroid during routine anti-doping testing conducted outside competition.

The suspension means the judoka is ineligible to participate in any competitions until the matter is resolved in accordance with the anti-doping rules. As a result, he has been removed from India’s Commonwealth Games contingent, ending his hopes of representing the country at the prestigious event in Glasgow.

Arun had most recently competed at the Qingdao Grand Prix last month, where he represented India in the highly competitive 73kg division. The Grand Prix formed part of the international competition calendar and served as an important event for athletes preparing for major tournaments, including the Commonwealth Games.

According to officials familiar with the development, the positive test emerged from an out-of-competition sample collected as part of NADA’s regular anti-doping programme, which is designed to ensure athletes remain compliant with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regulations throughout the year rather than only during tournaments.

The substance detected in Arun’s sample has been identified as an anabolic steroid, a class of performance-enhancing drugs prohibited under the WADA Prohibited List. Anabolic steroids are banned because they can enhance muscle growth, increase strength, improve recovery time and provide athletes with an unfair competitive advantage.

Following the adverse analytical finding, NADA imposed a provisional suspension on the athlete in line with the National Anti-Doping Rules. Under the anti-doping framework, athletes who test positive are provisionally suspended pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings, unless specific exceptions apply.

The provisional suspension does not constitute a final determination of guilt. Arun will have the opportunity to present his case before the Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel, where he can challenge the findings, request analysis of the B sample if applicable, and provide any evidence or explanation in his defence.

If the anti-doping violation is ultimately confirmed, the athlete could face a period of ineligibility, forfeiture of competitive results and other sanctions prescribed under the anti-doping code. The length of any suspension would depend on several factors, including the nature of the prohibited substance, the circumstances surrounding the case and whether the violation is deemed intentional.

The latest development is a significant setback for the Indian judo contingent, as Arun was considered one of the country’s experienced competitors in the men’s 73kg category. His withdrawal leaves the national selectors with limited time to finalise a replacement ahead of the Commonwealth Games, subject to the competition’s entry regulations and deadlines.

Anti-doping authorities have continued to intensify testing of Indian athletes in recent years as part of efforts to promote clean sport and ensure compliance with international standards. Out-of-competition testing has become an important component of these efforts, allowing agencies to detect the use of prohibited substances outside tournament periods.

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India has strengthened its anti-doping programme through increased testing, athlete education initiatives and closer coordination with international sporting bodies. NADA regularly conducts both in-competition and out-of-competition tests across various disciplines to safeguard the integrity of sport and ensure a level playing field.

The Commonwealth Games are among the most important multi-sport events for Indian athletes, with the country traditionally performing strongly in disciplines such as wrestling, weightlifting, boxing, badminton and judo. Consequently, the withdrawal of any athlete due to an anti-doping violation is viewed as a setback not only for the individual concerned but also for the national contingent.

No official statement has yet been issued by Arun Kumar regarding the positive test result or his provisional suspension. Further proceedings in the case will be conducted under the provisions of the National Anti-Doping Rules, and a final decision will be taken after completion of the disciplinary process.
The case serves as another reminder of the strict anti-doping regulations governing international sport and the importance of athletes adhering to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s code as they prepare for major competitions.