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Reetika Hooda has reportedly been provisionally suspended by NADA for doping. She and two other Rohtak wrestlers have left the national camp.
Indian wrestler Reetika Hooda (Instagram)
Wrestler Reetika Hooda, who represented India at the Paris Olympics and won a silver medal at the Asian Championships, has tested positive for a banned substance.
The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has provisionally suspended her, pending further investigation and confirmation through the disciplinary process, as per a report in Hindustan Times.
According to a reports, Hooda has been asked to leave the ongoing national wrestling camp at the Indira Gandhi Stadium by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) following her provisional suspension for a doping violation.
Reports also mentions that two other wrestlers, including an Asian Championships bronze medallist, have also tested positive for banned substances and have been provisionally suspended.
“They have left the national camp. Interestingly all three are from the same training centre in Rohtak,” the official was quoted as saying to HT.
Reetika, 22, was tested on March 15 during the selection trials for the Asian Championship. Her urine sample revealed traces of S1.1 Anabolic Androgenic Steroids, a prohibited substance.
“There is nothing confirmed as yet. I have not done anything wrong. I will fully co-operate with the officials. I have full faith in NADA and the Wrestling Federation. I can’t say more than that,” Reetika told PTI.
The wrestler is considering submitting a ‘B sample’ for further testing.
Who Is Reetika Hooda?
Reetika, who competes in the 76kg weight class, has become one of India’s top wrestlers since she qualified for the Paris Olympics and reached the quarterfinals. She secured a silver medal at the Asian Championships this year, and won gold at the Ulaanbaatar ranking series in May. She was a strong contender for a medal at the world championships scheduled in Zagreb in September.
NADA provisionally suspended Reetika on July 7, 2025. It was revealed that she failed the test during a selection trial at the IG Stadium, where the women’s national camp is being held. Following her failed dope test, UWW has suspended her until July 7, 2026.
The national wrestling camp resumed this year after the Sports Ministry’s suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India was lifted in March. A senior WFI official mentioned that since there was no national camp for almost two years, wrestlers were training at their centres and thus were not monitored.
“The wrestlers are now in the national camp and are being regularly tested,” said the official.
(With inputs from Agencies)
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha… Read More
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