New Delhi: Paris Olympics quarterfinalist and Asian Championships silver medalist wrestler Reetika Hooda – who competes in the women’s 76kg category – has been provisionally suspended by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) after her sample returned positive for prohibited substances. Reetika, one of the country’s brightest hopes in the women’s wrestling after becoming the first-ever female grappler to qualify in a heavyweight category (76kg) at the Paris Games, was tested by the Nada’s dope control officers (DCOs) during a selection trial at the Indira Gandhi (IG) stadium here, where the national camp is currently underway.After her positive dope result, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) told Reetika to leave the camp immediately and head back to her hometown in Haryana’s Rohtak. Reetika’s suspension period has kicked off on July 7 after the revelation of adverse analytical finding (AAF) and she will now have to appear before the Nada’s Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel (ADDP) to prove her innocence. Since this being her first doping offence, Reetika is staring at a possible four-year ban.Based on doping failure, the United World Wrestling (UWW) – the sport’s global governing body – also suspended Reetika for one year until July 7, 2026. The UWW posted on its website: “Suspended for the following reason until July 7, 2026. Provisionally suspended for ADRV by Nado India.”The presence of banned substances in Reetika’s urine sample is still unknown. The wrestlers was part of the Indian contingent for the upcoming UWW Ranking Series event in Hungary but her entry has now been withdrawn.Reetika was touted as one of the medal contenders for India at the World Wrestling Championships, scheduled in September. She has recently won the gold medal at the Ulaanbaatar Ranking Series in May.
