Arun Kumar Ruled Out of 2026 Commonwealth Games After Adverse NADA Test
Arun Kumar has been declared ineligible for the 2026 Commonwealth Games after an adverse finding in an out-of-competition NADA dope test. The 73kg judoka, who won gold at the 2025 Taipei Asian Open, had been due to make his Commonwealth Games debut; his withdrawal reduces India’s Glasgow 2026 contingent from 125 to 124 athletes.
India’s preparations for Glasgow 2026 suffered a setback when the National Anti-Doping Agency returned an adverse result relating to one of its judokas. Arun Kumar, competing in the 73kg division, had been included in the Indian squad and was scheduled to appear at the Commonwealth Games for the first time. His status was changed following the out-of-competition sample, which led to him being ruled ineligible for the event. The change in the team list brings India’s delegation down by one athlete ahead of the tournament.
The adverse finding came from an out-of-competition NADA dope test, the result of which prompted officials to withdraw Arun Kumar from the Games. That determination means he will not take part in any judo competition at Glasgow 2026. The announcement was made as the team finalised its entries for the event.
Arun Kumar captured attention on the circuit after his gold-medal performance at the 2025 Taipei Asian Open, a result that had marked him out as one of India’s promising prospects in the 73kg category. The Taipei victory was a career highlight and had raised expectations that he would add Commonwealth Games experience to his résumé. His exclusion removes that opportunity for this edition of the Games.
The withdrawal alters the composition of India’s contingent for Glasgow 2026, trimming the squad from 125 athletes to 124. Team officials adjusted the roster following the ruling and proceeded with the remaining selected competitors. The decision affects India’s representation in the judo events where Arun Kumar had been entered.
Organisers and team management noted the change in the entry list but no additional competitive replacements were announced in relation to Arun Kumar’s spot. The report of the adverse test and the ensuing ineligibility formed the basis for his removal from the Games roster. India’s preparations continue with the revised squad as named prior to the start of the competition.
The development removes a medal-contending athlete from India’s judo line-up and reduces the overall size of the delegation travelling to Glasgow. Arun Kumar’s absence will be reflected in official start lists and India’s team count for the 2026 Commonwealth Games now stands at 124 athletes.