Asian Games-Bound Runner Abhishek Pal Faces NADA Notice Over Apparent Doping Violation

India’s preparations for the upcoming Asian Games have been hit by a doping concern, with long-distance runner Abhishek Pal receiving a notice from the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) over an apparent anti-doping rule violation.

Pal, who has been named in India’s 72-member athletics squad for the Asian Games in Japan, is scheduled to compete in the 5,000m and 10,000m events. However, the latest development could put his participation in the continental competition in doubt.

According to sources familiar with the matter, a banned substance was detected in a very small quantity in Pal’s dope sample. NADA has served him a notice seeking his response, but the athlete has not been provisionally suspended at this stage.

Sources indicated that the substance detected could be a female fertility drug, although the exact nature of the substance and the circumstances surrounding its presence would need to be established through the anti-doping process.

The development is particularly significant given Pal’s recent performances. At the National Inter-State Championships in June, he produced a strong showing by winning gold in the 10,000m and silver in the 5,000m.

Pal, who has also trained in the United States, is an established distance runner with international experience. He won a bronze medal in the 10,000m at the 2023 Asian Championships, further strengthening his credentials for the Asian Games team.

The runner is expected to seek a detailed investigation into the finding and could approach NADA for an expedited resolution. Until the process is completed, however, uncertainty remains over whether he will be able to take his place on the starting line in Japan.

The case comes at a crucial stage for Indian athletics, with the Asian Games representing one of the country's major international sporting assignments.