NADA serves notice to India’s Asian Games-bound distance runner Abhishek Pal over alleged anti-doping violation

On August 29, 2026, India’s Asian Games-bound distance runner Abhishek Pal was served a notice by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) over an apparent anti-doping violation, leaving his availability for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Japan uncertain.

NADA’s notice followed laboratory detection of a banned substance in Pal’s sample, described by a source as present in a very small quantity. “A banned substance has been found in a very small amount in his dope sample and he has been served a notice by the NADA,” the source told PTI on condition of anonymity. The substance is understood to potentially be a female fertility drug, and the same source added: “The banned substance is also something surprising. I am sure he will request the NADA for an investigation.”

Pal remains without a provisional suspension at this stage, which means he is not currently barred from competition while the case is processed. He is named in India’s 72-member athletics squad for the Asian Games and was selected to contest both the 5,000m and 10,000m in Japan.

The NADA notice arrives after a strong domestic showing by Pal at the National Inter-State Championships in June, where he won the 10,000m title and finished second in the 5,000m. Selection for both distance events at the Asian Games was awarded on the basis of that recent form.

On the international front, Pal secured a bronze medal in the 10,000m at the 2023 Asian Championships and has spent time training in the United States as part of his preparations. Those credentials were cited in his inclusion in the continental squad.

Pal’s case comes amid other recent Indian anti-doping developments: wrestler Mukul Dahiya has been suspended by NADA, and former Asian Games champion Swapna Barman has also been involved in a doping case despite having announced her retirement. These matters have intensified scrutiny of India’s preparations and anti-doping procedures ahead of the continental event.

Pal is expected to seek an early resolution to the notice given the proximity of the Asian Games, and until the matter is examined and a decision is taken his place with the Indian contingent remains uncertain. Whether he will take the start in the 5,000m and 10,000m in Japan will depend on the outcome of those proceedings.