Indian Athlete KM Deeksha Faces Doping Allegations Ahead of Commonwealth Games
Doping Controversy Surrounds KM Deeksha
KM Deeksha, who holds the national record for the women's 1500m in India, has reportedly tested positive for a prohibited substance just before the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The 27-year-old athlete set her record of 4:04.78 in Los Angeles two years ago. Her most recent performance was at the Indian Open Athletics Series in Jaipur on April 5, where she finished with a time of 4:25.74.
Deeksha did not compete in the Federation Cup athletics meet held in Ranchi last month, which was crucial for qualifying for the Commonwealth Games. Although the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has yet to officially announce her suspension, it is understood that she received a notification regarding her ban in late May, raising concerns about her eligibility for the upcoming games. This failed drug test could lead to a suspension, jeopardizing her chances of competing in the Commonwealth Games.
In April, Deeksha was training under coach SK Prasad at the Madhya Pradesh Athletics Academy, but she had requested a 'no objection certificate' to represent Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, last week, reports emerged that four weightlifters from the national camp had also tested positive for banned substances.
Doping Issues in India
India has been grappling with a significant doping problem, leading the world in the number of doping violations for three consecutive years. According to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), the country recorded 260 Adverse Analytical Findings (AAFs) in 2024 from over 7,000 samples, resulting in a concerning positivity rate of 3.6%, the highest globally and more than double that of any other nation.
In April, WADA's head, Witold Banka, stated that India is the largest producer of illegal performance-enhancing drugs and steroids, calling for a crackdown on these operations to safeguard athletes. WADA has also engaged with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to address organized doping networks. Furthermore, India's Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has proposed significant reforms to the National Anti-Doping Act, aiming to create a legal framework that targets organized doping networks and illegal suppliers while protecting athletes who test positive from criminal charges.