Teen Swimmer Faces 18-Month Ban After Positive Drug Test Ahead of Asian Games

Suspension of Young Swimmer Due to Doping Violation

A 17-year-old swimmer, who was a hopeful contender for the upcoming 2026 Asian Games, has received an 18-month suspension following a positive test for a prohibited substance.

Due to his status as a minor, the swimmer's identity remains confidential. His sample revealed the presence of terbutaline, a beta-2 agonist that is banned under anti-doping regulations.

The swimmer was flagged with an adverse analytical finding (AAF) in February. As a result, the Swimming Federation of India (SFI) had to remove him from the Commonwealth Games roster. Athletes can only use such substances if they have secured a therapeutic use exemption (TUE) from the National Anti Doping Agency (NADA).

Reports indicate that the swimmer, whose twin brother is also on the Asian Games team, had experienced smoke inhalation and was prescribed medication with a doctor's consent.

A source close to the swimmer stated, "He received the suspension notice this morning. His only mistake was not verifying whether the medication contained any banned substances."

The swimmer failed to apply for a TUE prior to using the medication. Initially, the SFI was optimistic about his chances of competing in the Asian Games, contingent on receiving a clean report from NADA. However, he was officially handed an 18-month suspension on Wednesday.

It is noted that the swimmer disclosed his use of the drug on his doping control form. Nevertheless, the anti-doping disciplinary panel opted to impose a suspension on the minor.

Following the AAF and subsequent hearings with the NADA panel, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) has removed him from the list of participants for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.