Asian Games 2026: India's Yash Kumar Chauhan suspended after failed dope test
The kurash player already lost his fight at the Asian Games 2026.
Six days separated Yash Kumar Chauhan’s exit from the Asian Games 2026 and the announcement that he had failed a doping test. On September 27, the 24-year-old Indian kurash player lost 0-10 to Tajikistan’s Shakarmamad Mirmamadov in the pre-quarterfinal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
His sample was reportedly collected on the same day. On Saturday, October 3, the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) said it had returned an Adverse Analytical Finding, the formal term for a positive result.
The International Testing Agency (ITA), which collects samples and manages results at these Games for the OCA, found three separate substances: metabolites of metandienone, metabolites of GW1516, and mephentermine with its metabolite. All three are classed as non-specified prohibited substances.
Each does a different job. Metandienone is an oral steroid derived from testosterone, and the OCA says it builds muscle mass, strength and endurance. GW1516 acts on fat metabolism and can improve endurance. Mephentermine is a stimulant that can sharpen alertness and reduce fatigue.
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The first two are banned at all times, while mephentermine is banned only in competition. Together, they cover strength, stamina and alertness.
Chauhan was already out of the competition. Kurash ran from September 26 to 29, and India’s only medal in the sport was a bronze for Pincky Balhara in the women’s 78 kg category.
What can Chauhan do now?
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The OCA says he has been “provisionally suspended with immediate effect.” A provisional suspension is not a final ruling.
Chauhan can challenge the finding before the Anti-Doping Division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and request an analysis of his B-sample, the second portion of the original sample. The case will be settled under the World Anti-Doping Code and OCA rules.
Why was Yash Kumar Chauhan suspended?
His September 27 sample at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 tested positive for metandienone, GW1516 and mephentermine, and the OCA suspended him on October 3.
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