New Delhi, Sept 9:
India have been stripped of their silver medal in the men’s Beach Kabaddi event at the 2026 Asian Beach Games after Indian player Brijendra Singh Choudhary was found guilty of an anti-doping rule violation.
The International Testing Agency (ITA), acting on behalf of the Olympic Council of Asia, confirmed the violation on September 8. Choudhary tested positive for brinzolamide, a prohibited substance classified as a diuretic and masking agent, in an in-competition sample collected on April 27 during the Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China.
Choudhary has accepted the anti-doping violation and the resulting sanction. His positive test has consequently affected the entire Indian men’s Beach Kabaddi team, with the silver medal being revoked.
India had finished runners-up in the men’s competition at the Games, which were held in Sanya from April 22 to 30. The Indian women’s Beach Kabaddi team, meanwhile, won the gold medal.
Choudhary is an experienced kabaddi player and has also featured in the Pro Kabaddi League, turning out for Dabang Delhi during the 2024 season. The doping violation therefore comes as a setback to both the player and Indian kabaddi.
Since the ITA has already imposed the sanction, no separate disciplinary proceedings are expected against Choudhary in India. Any additional suspension or ban will be considered by the International Kabaddi Federation, according to reports.
The case also highlights the consequences of anti-doping violations in team events, where an individual athlete’s violation can lead to the loss of a medal won collectively by an entire team.
The International Kabaddi Federation is reviewing the matter and will determine whether any further action is required.