Indian Kabaddi Player Stripped of Medal Following Doping Violation

Indian kabaddi player Brijendra Singh Choudhary has been stripped of his silver medal from the Asian Beach Games after testing positive for a banned substance. The International Testing Agency confirmed that Choudhary accepted the sanctions following his doping violation. This incident highlights the strict enforcement of anti-doping regulations in sports. As the matter progresses, further actions will be determined by the International Kabaddi Federation. Read on to learn more about the implications of this case and the athlete's future in the sport.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 8, 2026, 20:28 IST

Doping Violation Leads to Medal Disqualification

Brijendra Singh Choudhary, an Indian kabaddi athlete who contributed to the men's team securing a silver medal at the Asian Beach Games earlier this year, has been disqualified from the event due to a failed doping test. This announcement was made on Tuesday.

The athlete tested positive for brinzolamide, a prohibited diuretic, during an in-competition test conducted on April 27. The International Testing Agency (ITA) confirmed that Choudhary has acknowledged the penalty. The Asian Beach Games took place in Sanya, China, from April 22 to 30, where the Indian men's kabaddi team earned silver, while the women's team achieved gold.

According to the ITA, which operates on behalf of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), Choudhary has been penalized for violating anti-doping regulations.

Brinzolamide is classified as a specified substance and is banned at all times, both in and out of competition, by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Choudhary accepted the repercussions of his anti-doping rule violation (ADRV) under OCA regulations, which includes the annulment of his results from the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya 2026, specifically his second-place finish in the Men's Beach Kabaddi event.

The ITA clarified that only Choudhary's individual results are affected by this doping incident.

An all-rounder, Choudhary has also participated in the Pro-Kabaddi League, representing the Dabang Delhi team in the 2024 season.

Since he has already faced sanctions from the ITA, there will be no new disciplinary actions taken against him in India. Any additional suspension or ban will be determined by the International Kabaddi Federation.

The ITA's sanction was issued on behalf of the OCA, following article 8.3.3 of the OCA anti-doping rules and a similar provision in the World Anti-Doping Code.

This article allows anti-doping organizations to impose penalties such as disqualification of results without a formal hearing if the athlete does not contest the violation.

The OCA considers the matter resolved and will forward it to the International Kabaddi Federation for further action under its regulations.

Those with the right to appeal may challenge this decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).