Wrestler Reetika Hooda tests positive for doping

Asian Championship medalist Reetika Hooda along with two others has tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance and has been provisionally suspended until July 7, 2026.

Vinita (50kg) and another 17-year old Asian Championships medalist tested positive.

"Mujhe NADA aur Federation par pura bharosa hai. Main apni aur se puri tarah cooperate karungi. Is samay main isse zyada kuch nahi kehna chahungi (I have confidence in NADA and the Wresting Federation of India. I will cooperate with them. At this moment, I would not like to comment further)," Reetika Hooda told The Bridge on Tuesday.

The test was conducted on March 15 during the Asian Championship trials at the Indira Gandhi National Stadium in New Delhi. National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) provisionally suspended Reetika on July 7, 2025.  and taking note of her failed dope test, UWW has suspended her until July 7, 2026.

Sources from the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) have confirmed that they are aware of the situation but are still waiting for official details.

“Three wrestlers Reetika, Vinita and a minor have tested positive. They have been suspended and asked to leave the national camp. We are waiting for the official details,” a WFI source told The Bridge. The WFI President Sanjay Singh was unavailable for comments.

Last month, Reetika, serving with the Indian Navy, bagged a gold at 1st CISM World Military Martial Arts Championship held in Warendorf, Germany. She won a silver medal at the Asian Championships this year, and gold at the Ulaanbaatar ranking series in May. She had made it to the quarterfinals at the Paris Olympics in the 76kg category. Reetika is also part of the TOP Scheme.