Asian Games 2026: Yash Kumar Chauhan provisionally suspended after testing positive in dope test

In a major embarrassment for India, kurash athlete Yash Kumar Chauhan tested positive for multiple banned substances during an in competition test at the ongoing 2026 Asian Games.

Chauhan tested positive in a test taken on September 27 and has been banned with immediate effect, the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) announced on Saturday.

The 24-year-old Chauhan's sample was found to contain at least three banned substances, including metabolites of steroid Metandienone.

Chauhan's sample was tested by International Testing Agency (ITA), which takes samples and performs results management during the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on behalf of the OCA.

"The ITA, on behalf of the OCA , reports that a sample collected from kurash athlete Yash Kumar Chauhan (IND) has returned an Adverse Analytical Finding for non-specified prohibited substances Metandienone metabolites, GW1516 metabolites, Mephentermine and its metabolite," the OCA said in a statement.

"The athlete has been informed of the case and provisionally suspended with immediate effect until the resolution of the matter in line with the World Anti-Doping Code and the OCA Anti-Doping Rules. This means that the athlete is prevented from competing, training, coaching, or participating in any activity, during (this) Asian Games."

Metandienone, an oral anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) derived from testosterone, is prohibited at all times (in- and out-of-competition) under the WADA Code and is a non-specified substance.

"Metandienone is a potent anabolic steroid which increases testosterone levels, causing muscle-mass growth, endurance and strength," the OCA statement said.

GW1516 is also prohibited at all times (in- and out-of-competition) and is a non-specified substance. It is a drug that activates pathways involved in fat metabolism in the body and that improves endurance performance.

Mephentermine is prohibited under the WADA Code as a non-specified stimulant. It is prohibited in-competition and is a non-specified stimulant. It acts on the central nervous system and may increase alertness and reduce fatigue.

Chauhan has the right to challenge the imposition of the provisional suspension before the Court of Arbitration for Sport's Anti-Doping Division. He also has the right to request the analysis of the B-sample.

The kurash competitions in the Asian Games was held between September 26 and 29.

Chauhan lost to Mirmamadov Shakarmamad of Tajikistan in a round of 16 bout in the 90kg category on September 27.

India won a lone bronze in kurash through Pincky Balhara in the women's 78kg category.

(With inputs from PTI)