Rowing Star Faces Doping Suspension After Historic Win

In a shocking turn of events, Lakshay, a member of India's historic lightweight men's double sculls team, has been provisionally suspended for doping. His positive test for stanozolol, an anabolic steroid, raises serious concerns ahead of the 2026 Asian Games. This article delves into the implications of the suspension, the potential four-year ban, and the impact on the team's recent gold medal victory at the World Rowing Cup III in Switzerland. Read on for a comprehensive overview of this unfolding controversy.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 25, 2026, 05:28 IST

Doping Controversy Hits Indian Rowing

In a troubling development, one member of the lightweight men's double sculls team, which recently achieved a groundbreaking World Cup medal in rowing, has been provisionally suspended due to doping allegations.

Lakshay, an army personnel, has been suspended by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) after his sample tested positive for stanozolol, a banned anabolic steroid. He and his partner, Ujjwal Kumar Singh, made history by securing India's first gold medal at the World Rowing Cup III held in Switzerland last month.

This duo was considered a strong contender for medals at the upcoming 2026 Asian Games, set to take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, starting September 19.

Lakshay received a notice regarding an out-of-competition test conducted on May 25 in Pune. If found guilty, he could face a suspension of up to four years, and all results from the date of the sample collection, including the gold medal, would be annulled.

The notice, which has been reviewed by a media outlet, stated, 'Your Sample A was analyzed at the WADA-accredited National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) in New Delhi and returned an adverse analytical finding (AAF).'

Furthermore, it mentioned, 'In accordance with article 7.4.1 of the NADR 2021, you are provisionally suspended effective immediately until the case is resolved.'