India's Asian Games-bound runner Abhishek Pal served NADA notice over doping

Asian Games-bound runner Abhishek Pal has been served a NADA notice after a banned substance was detected in his sample. With no provisional suspension yet, his place in India's squad remains uncertain ahead of the Games.Abhishek Pal is part of India's 72-member athletics squad for the Asian Games. (Photo: PTI)Asian Games-bound distance runner Abhishek Pal has landed in a doping controversy after being served a notice by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) over an apparent violation. Pal has not been handed a provisional suspension at this stage, leaving his participation at the upcoming Asian Games uncertain.Pal features in India's 72-member athletics squad for the Games in Japan and is scheduled to compete in the 5000m and 10,000m. According to a source familiar with the development, a banned substance was detected in a very small quantity in his sample.“A banned substance has been found in a very small amount in his dope sample and he has been served a notice by the NADA,” the source told PTI on condition of anonymity.The substance involved is understood to potentially be a female fertility drug, making the circumstances of the case particularly unusual. “The banned substance is also something surprising. I am sure he will request the NADA for an investigation,” the source added.Pal is expected to seek an early resolution, given the proximity of the Asian Games. Until the matter is examined and a decision is taken, his status with the Indian contingent remains uncertain.PAL'S ASIAN GAMES SPOT UNDER CLOUD The NADA notice comes shortly after Pal put together an impressive domestic campaign. He won the 10,000m title and finished second in the 5000m at the National Inter-State Championships in June.He also has international experience, having secured a bronze medal in the 10,000m at the 2023 Asian Championships. Pal has additionally spent time training in the United States as he has worked towards establishing himself at the international level.His selection for both distance events at the Asian Games was a reward for that recent form. The doping notice, however, could now force him to deal with an issue away from the track just weeks before the competition.With no provisional suspension imposed so far, Pal remains in a position to contest the case and seek clarification over the substance detected in his sample.INDIA'S DOPING ROW GROWS AHEAD OF ASIAN GAMESPal's situation comes during a period when doping cases involving Indian athletes have already created concern ahead of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Wrestler Mukul Dahiya has been suspended by NADA, while former Asian Games champion Swapna Barman has also been involved in a doping case despite having announced her retirement.These cases have added to the scrutiny around India's preparations and anti-doping procedures before the continental event.For Pal, the immediate priority is to respond to NADA's notice and seek a resolution to the case. Whether he eventually takes the start in the 5000m and 10,000m in Japan will depend on the outcome of those proceedings.- EndsPublished By: Debodinna ChakrabortyPublished On: Aug 29, 2026 08:05 IST