Blab Sports
Indian Judoka Arun Kumar Cut from Commonwealth Games After Doping Test Failure
Just hours before the opening bell in Glasgow, India's 73‑kg judo hopeful, Arun Kumar, was barred from the Commonwealth Games after a doping test failed.
On Wednesday, the National Anti‑Doping Agency (NADA) issued an adverse analytical finding (AAF) to Kumar following an out‑of‑competition test. The International Judo Federation (IJF) was notified of the result and, in turn, informed the Commonwealth Games organisers. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) was also kept in the loop. Within a matter of hours, Kumar’s name was removed from the 2026 Commonwealth Games Sports Entries System and the IJF confirmed his ineligibility.
Judo Federation of India president Mukesh Kumar said the federation had high hopes for the athlete. "His notice only came yesterday that says he has to send his reply in 15 days. We will give him time but as per the rules, he cannot compete. We can also not replace anyone in such short notice. It is unfortunate as we had big hopes from Arun," the president told The Tribune on Thursday.
Kumar has been a regular member of India’s judo team, competing in several international tournaments. He won the men’s 73‑kg title at the 2023 Macau Junior Asian Cup, a victory that positioned him as one of the country’s promising judokas. The AAF ruling therefore represents a significant setback for his career and for India’s judo prospects at the Games.
The Commonwealth Games will run from 23 July to 2 August 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. Judo events are scheduled for 1 August at the SEC Centre, with the men’s 73‑kg competition featuring nineteen athletes. India’s contingent for the Games includes 126 athletes across ten sports, but the loss of Kumar removes a potential medal opportunity in a discipline where India has previously earned podium finishes.
Under the World Anti‑Doping Code, an athlete who receives an AAF is declared ineligible until the conclusion of any disciplinary process. Because the notice arrived only a day before the Games, the Judo Federation of India could not nominate a replacement within the competition’s entry deadlines.
The incident underscores the strict enforcement of anti‑doping regulations at major multi‑sport events. While India’s overall Games squad remains intact, the judo team will now compete with one fewer athlete in the 73‑kg class. The IJF and Commonwealth Games organisers have confirmed that no other judoka will be added to the event.
As the Games approach, the Indian judo team will focus on the remaining events, with athletes such as Anshu Jaiswal and Rohan Kumar preparing for the 81‑kg and 90‑kg categories. The IJF has reiterated that all athletes must comply with anti‑doping rules, and the NADA will continue to conduct testing throughout the Games.
In summary, Arun Kumar’s removal from the Commonwealth Games roster follows an adverse analytical finding from an out‑of‑competition test. The Indian Judo Federation cannot replace him on short notice, and the athlete remains ineligible to compete. The 2026 Commonwealth Games will proceed without him, and India’s judo team will aim to secure medals in the remaining weight classes.
On Wednesday, the National Anti‑Doping Agency (NADA) issued an adverse analytical finding (AAF) to Kumar following an out‑of‑competition test. The International Judo Federation (IJF) was notified of the result and, in turn, informed the Commonwealth Games organisers. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) was also kept in the loop. Within a matter of hours, Kumar’s name was removed from the 2026 Commonwealth Games Sports Entries System and the IJF confirmed his ineligibility.
Judo Federation of India president Mukesh Kumar said the federation had high hopes for the athlete. "His notice only came yesterday that says he has to send his reply in 15 days. We will give him time but as per the rules, he cannot compete. We can also not replace anyone in such short notice. It is unfortunate as we had big hopes from Arun," the president told The Tribune on Thursday.
Kumar has been a regular member of India’s judo team, competing in several international tournaments. He won the men’s 73‑kg title at the 2023 Macau Junior Asian Cup, a victory that positioned him as one of the country’s promising judokas. The AAF ruling therefore represents a significant setback for his career and for India’s judo prospects at the Games.
The Commonwealth Games will run from 23 July to 2 August 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. Judo events are scheduled for 1 August at the SEC Centre, with the men’s 73‑kg competition featuring nineteen athletes. India’s contingent for the Games includes 126 athletes across ten sports, but the loss of Kumar removes a potential medal opportunity in a discipline where India has previously earned podium finishes.
Under the World Anti‑Doping Code, an athlete who receives an AAF is declared ineligible until the conclusion of any disciplinary process. Because the notice arrived only a day before the Games, the Judo Federation of India could not nominate a replacement within the competition’s entry deadlines.
The incident underscores the strict enforcement of anti‑doping regulations at major multi‑sport events. While India’s overall Games squad remains intact, the judo team will now compete with one fewer athlete in the 73‑kg class. The IJF and Commonwealth Games organisers have confirmed that no other judoka will be added to the event.
As the Games approach, the Indian judo team will focus on the remaining events, with athletes such as Anshu Jaiswal and Rohan Kumar preparing for the 81‑kg and 90‑kg categories. The IJF has reiterated that all athletes must comply with anti‑doping rules, and the NADA will continue to conduct testing throughout the Games.
In summary, Arun Kumar’s removal from the Commonwealth Games roster follows an adverse analytical finding from an out‑of‑competition test. The Indian Judo Federation cannot replace him on short notice, and the athlete remains ineligible to compete. The 2026 Commonwealth Games will proceed without him, and India’s judo team will aim to secure medals in the remaining weight classes.
