India’s Commonwealth Games 2026 campaign has suffered a double setback, with judoka Arun Kumar being withdrawn after failing an out-of-competition dope test and weightlifter Dilbagh Singh pulling out following a reduction in India’s quota due to multiple anti-doping rule violations.
The twin developments come just as India’s contingent prepares to depart for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
Arun Kumar Provisionally Suspended by NADA
Arun Kumar, who competes in the men’s 73kg judo category, has been handed a provisional suspension by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) after testing positive for an anabolic steroid during an out-of-competition test.
The 21-year-old had represented India at the Qingdao Grand Prix last month and won gold at the Taipei Asian Open in 2025.
A federation source confirmed that Arun has been withdrawn from the Games following the suspension. The Indian judo team is scheduled to leave for Glasgow on July 27, with the competition beginning on July 31.
India had originally named a 14-member judo contingent, comprising seven men and seven women.
Weightlifting Quota Reduced
India’s weightlifting team has also been affected after the country’s quota for the Commonwealth Games was reduced from 16 to 11 lifters because of multiple Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) recorded during the qualification period.
The Indian Weightlifting Federation had initially selected a 12-member squad, led by Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu, but was informed of the revised quota only on Wednesday.
Dilbagh Singh Withdraws
Following the quota reduction, weightlifter Dilbagh Singh has been withdrawn from the Indian contingent.
According to federation sources, Dilbagh has also been dealing with a back injury and was unable to train during the preparatory camp in Birmingham, making his withdrawal a practical decision.
Previous Doping Cases Impact Quota
India’s reduced quota follows anti-doping sanctions imposed on several weightlifters during the qualification cycle.
The athletes sanctioned include:
- N. Ajith (71kg)
- Sairaj Pardeshi (88kg)
- Harcharan Singh (110kg)
- Vanshita Verma (86kg)
The repeated anti-doping violations resulted in a reduction of India’s allotted weightlifting slots for the Glasgow Games.
India’s Campaign Continues
Despite the setbacks, India will field a 124-member contingent at the Commonwealth Games 2026 across multiple disciplines.
The Games began on July 23 in Glasgow, with India opening its campaign in lawn bowls, while judo events are scheduled to commence on July 31.
The latest withdrawals, however, underscore the continuing challenge posed by doping violations in Indian sport ahead of a major international competition.
