Indian Runner K M Deeksha Faces Doping Allegations Ahead of Major Competitions

K M Deeksha, a prominent Indian middle-distance runner, has been caught in a doping scandal, raising concerns about her participation in upcoming major competitions. Despite not facing a provisional suspension yet, the detection of a banned substance in her sample has cast doubt on her eligibility for the Commonwealth and Asian Games. With a potential four-year suspension looming, Deeksha's recent absence from competitions adds to the uncertainty surrounding her athletic career. Her coach has confirmed her departure from the training academy, further complicating the situation. Read on to learn more about this developing story.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 3, 2026, 04:25 IST

Doping Controversy Surrounds Top Indian Athlete

In a significant setback for India as it approaches the Commonwealth Games, K M Deeksha, the nation's leading female middle-distance runner, has been implicated in a doping scandal. Deeksha, who holds the national record for the 1500 meters, has received an adverse analytical finding (AAF) notice. Such notices are issued when a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited lab detects the presence of a banned substance or its metabolites in an athlete's sample.

Currently, she has not been placed under provisional suspension, but this situation raises serious questions about her eligibility for both the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games scheduled for this year.

According to a source, 'She has received a notice after her sample tested positive for a banned substance; however, no provisional suspension has been enacted.' This notice was issued following an out-of-competition test conducted in late May.

Reports indicate that her sample tested positive for stanozolol, an anabolic agent listed as prohibited by WADA.

Deeksha could face a suspension of up to four years. Last year, she set a national record at the Sound Running Track Fest in Los Angeles, finishing third with a time of 4:04.78 seconds, surpassing the previous record of 4:05.39 set by Harmilan Bains during the National Open Athletics Championships in 2021.

Recent Absences

Since her victory at the Indian Athletics Series 2 in Jaipur on April 5, 2026, Deeksha has not participated in any competitions. She also missed the National Senior Athletics Federation Competition last month, which was crucial for Commonwealth Games qualification.

Her coach, SK Prasad, from the Madhya Pradesh Athletics Academy in Bhopal, mentioned that Deeksha left the training facility last month. 'She had been seeking a no objection certificate (NOC) to compete for Uttar Pradesh and has already departed from our academy,' Prasad stated.

When questioned about the doping allegations, Prasad claimed to have no knowledge of the situation, reiterating, 'We do not have any information regarding any doping issue. As I mentioned, she has already left our academy.'