Wrestler Reetika Hooda, who represented India at the Paris Olympics and is a silver medallist at the Asian Championships, has tested positive for a banned substance. The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has provisionally suspended her following the result, pending further investigation and confirmation through the disciplinary process. Hooda is reportedly staring at a four-year ban.
Wrestler Reetika Hooda Suspended After Failing Dope Test, Says She has Done 'Nothing Wrong'
The report also states that two other wrestlers, one of whom is an Asian Championships bronze medallist, have tested positive for banned substances and have been provisionally suspended
According to a report by Hindustan Times, Hooda has been asked to leave the ongoing national wrestling camp at the Indira Gandhi Stadium by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) following her provisional suspension for a doping violation.
The report also states that two other wrestlers, one of whom is an Asian Championships bronze medallist, have tested positive for banned substances and have been provisionally suspended.
A PTI report added that the 22-year-old Hooda, who also became the first Indian to qualify for the Olympics in heavyweight 76kg category, was tested on March 15 during the selection trials for the Asian Championship and her urine sample found traces of S1.1 Anabolic Androgenic Steroids, which is a prohibited substance.
Hooda, one of India’s top wrestlers in the 76kg category, rose quickly after reaching the quarterfinals at the Paris Olympics. She went on to claim silver at the Asian Championships and gold at the Ulaanbaatar Ranking Series in May. She was seen as a strong medal contender for the upcoming World Championships in Zagreb this September.
"There is nothing confirmed as yet. I have not done anything wrong. I will fully co-operate with the officials. I have full faith in NADA and the (Wrestling) Federation. I can't say more than that," Hooda was later quoted as saying in the report.
(With PTI inputs)
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