Top wrestler suspended after WADA appeal in CAS

One of India’s top wrestlers, Radhika (68kg), has been provisionally suspended by the National Anti-Doping Agency for a second time for a failed dope test, following the Court of Arbitration for Sport's ruling on WADA's appeal against her exoneration by NADA’s adjudication panel.

- Avishek Roy

Upholding the appeal, CAS called for a fresh investigation by NADA.

Surprisingly, the case has been dragging on since November 2022, when Radhika tested positive for banned substance clenbuterol. The drug is known to enhance aerobic capacity and cause fat loss. It is also illegally used as a growth promoter in livestock rearing in some countries. In her defence before NADA, Radhika alleged meat contamination as the reason for the substance entering her body.

She was subsequently cleared in May 2024 after NADA’s followup test on her returned negative. WADA, however, appealed the decision in CAS, contending that “NADA India did not adequately investigate the ATF (Atypical Finding)” and citing the absence of any “concrete evidence” of meat contamination provided by the athlete.