Asian Games-bound Abhishek Pal tests positive for female fertility drug

The National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) served a notice to 2026 Asian Games-bound long distance runner Abhishek Pal, as per reports.

He has, however, not yet been handed a provisional suspension yet. 

Pal was named in the 72-member Indian athletics contingent for the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan earlier this month in men's 5000m and 10,000m.

"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," a source said as per PTI.

Interestingly, the substance found in his samples is a female fertility drug called clomiphene.

"The banned substance is also something surprising. I am sure he will request the NADA for an investigation," the source added.

The development will make him difficult for him compete in the Asian Games.

As per a report in The Tribune, Pal has already sent his reply to NADA after it was alleged that the sample showed a concentration lower than two nanograms per millilitre (2 ng/mL), the minimum reporting level set by the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA).

Pal, who also has trained in the USA, won a gold and a silver in 10,000m and 5000m races respectively at the National Inter-State Championships in June.

He had also won a 10,000m bronze in the 2023 Asian Championships.