Indian Wrestler Ritika Hooda Fails Dope Test Could be Banned for 4 years
Indian Wrestling is hit with controversy, after Paris Olympics Quarterfinalist and Asian Championships silver medalist wrestler Reetika Hooda who competes in Women’s 76 kg Category, has been provisonally suspended suspended By National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) after her sample returned positive for prohibited substances.
This is certainly a sad news, considering she is one of the brightest hopes for Women wrestling as she already qualified for Heavyweight Category 76 Kg at Paris Games.
She was tested by Nada’s Dope Control officers(DCOS) during a selection trail which was held at Indira Gandhi Stadium here where the national camp is currently underway.
Based on further report, the moment her result came out Positive, Wrestling Federation of India have communicated to Reetika Hooda to leave camp immediately and went back to her hometown Rohtak.
Her suspension period have been kicked off from July 7th 2025, after the revealation of Adverse Analytical Finding(AAF) and she now have to appear before NADA Anti Doping Disciplinary Panel to prove her innocence.
Since it is her first case so she might face four year ban.
Based on her doping failure, United World Wrestling Federation(UWF) have already suspended her one year until 7th July 2026.
This updated was posted on their official website which stated “Suspended for the following reason until July 7th 2026, Provisionally suspended for ADRV By NADA India”
The nature of banned substance found in Reetika Urine sample is still unknown, and the worst thing that she would not be able to participate in United World Wrestling event which was supposed to be held in Hungary.
She was touted as one of India’s wrestling contender for World Wrestling Championships scheduled in September.
She recently won Gold medal at the Ulaan Baatar Ranking Series in May.
Its not Reetika only two other wrestlers from the camp have been tested positive with banned substance eventually have been suspended.
The Biggest Question arises why prohibited substances are consumed by Athletes?
They consume prohibited substance in order to enhance their performance increase their endurance so that they could deliver best performance when it mattered the most.
These substances are banned and Anti Doing rules are established, which every athlete needs to follow.
In the sport like Wrestling prohibited substances are consumed by concerned wrestlers in order to enhance their physical strength and win bout.
There is National Anti Doping Agency established who conducts test on regular basis in order to ensure no athletes are under the impression of consuming prohibited substances.
India are certainly at number 1 spot when it comes to consuming prohibited substances and system should be build properly where we could possibly avoid consumption of these substances.
