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Asian Games Hope Faces Doping Doubt
30 Aug
Summary
- Long-distance runner Abhishek Pal tested positive for clomiphene.
- Pal is selected for the 5,000m and 10,000m events at the Asian Games.
- He faces a potential ban if he cannot clear his name.
Asian Games hopeful Abhishek Pal has been issued an Adverse Analytical Finding by the National Anti-Doping Agency following a test that detected clomiphene. Pal, slated to compete in the 5,000m and 10,000m races at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, faces uncertainty regarding his participation.
The substance clomiphene, typically used for female infertility, is prohibited in sports. Pal is part of NADA's Registered Testing Pool and is regularly tested, adding complexity to the situation. He has submitted his response and plans to challenge the notice, seeking to prove the finding was unintentional.
If Pal cannot clear his name, he risks missing the Asian Games and facing a minimum suspension of two years. This case occurs amid increased scrutiny of Indian athletics, with the Athletics Integrity Unit recently categorizing the Athletics Federation of India as high-risk due to doping violations.
