CWG 2026 Glasgow: Team India's Commonwealth Games 2026 campaign has suffered a significant blow even before the first medals are decided, with judoka Arun Kumar being ruled out of the competition after failing an out-of-competition doping test.
The 73kg judoka has been handed a provisional suspension by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) after receiving an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF), forcing India to withdraw him from the Glasgow Games at the eleventh hour.
Doping Setback Overshadows India's CWG Campaign
Arun Kumar's withdrawal comes just on the opening day of the Commonwealth Games, delivering an early blow to India's preparations. The Indian contingent had been hoping for a strong showing in judo, but the unexpected suspension has left the team without a representative in the men's 73kg category.
According to a PTI report, a source confirmed that the suspension notice had already been served.
"The notification for suspension has come. We have to withdraw him," the source said.
Arun had most recently represented India at the Qingdao Judo Grand Prix last month before being tested out of competition.
How Arun Kumar Was Ruled Ineligible?
Following the adverse analytical finding issued by NADA, the International Judo Federation (IJF) informed the Glasgow 2026 organising committee that Arun Kumar was no longer eligible to compete.
As a result, his name was removed from the Games' official Sports Entries System, making his participation impossible.
Under anti-doping regulations, athletes receiving a provisional suspension are barred from competing until the matter is resolved through the disciplinary process.
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India Cannot Field a Replacement
The timing of Arun Kumar's withdrawal has made matters worse for India. The Indian Judo Association has announced that they will not announce any replacement.
The Indian contingent now stands at 124 athletes, down from the originally announced 126-member team.
Earlier, para swimmer Tejas Nandakumar was also withdrawn after classification-related issues, making Arun Kumar the second athlete to miss the Games before competition began.
For Arun Kumar, the provisional suspension means his immediate competitive future remains uncertain until the anti-doping process is completed. He retains the right to respond to the findings and pursue the procedures available under NADA's anti-doping rules.
Meanwhile, Team India will now begin its Commonwealth Games 2026 campaign with one less athlete and an early loss it would have hoped to avoid.