In a significant setback to India’s Olympic wrestling preparations, Reetika Hooda, the promising young wrestler who recently qualified for the Paris Games, has been suspended after failing a doping test conducted by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). The news has sent shockwaves across the wrestling fraternity, just weeks before the country’s contingent departs for the world’s biggest sporting event.
Who is Reetika Hooda?
Reetika Hooda, 21, from Haryana, has been one of India’s brightest wrestling prospects in recent years. Competing in the 76kg women’s freestyle category, she made headlines by securing a quota place for the Paris Olympics after clinching bronze at the Asian Wrestling Championships earlier this year.
Her aggressive leg attacks, solid defence, and explosive mat returns had impressed national coaches, with many touting her as India’s strongest medal hope in her category.
Details of the Suspension
According to senior Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) officials:
- Sample Collected: During the selection trials held in Delhi in May 2025.
- Testing Agency: National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) India.
- Substance Detected: An anabolic steroid under the WADA Prohibited List 2025.
- Provisional Suspension: Imposed immediately pending a disciplinary hearing.
Impact of Suspension
| Impact Area | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Olympic participation | Suspended; quota reallocation pending UWW decision |
| National team morale | Major blow to women’s wrestling unit |
| Future career | Faces potential 4-year ban if found guilty |
Official Statements
WFI Spokesperson
“We are shocked by this development. Reetika was an honest, disciplined athlete. We will support her if she proves innocence, but zero tolerance applies for doping violations.”
NADA India
“Athlete has been provisionally suspended. She can request testing of her B-sample within the stipulated period.”
How Will This Affect India’s Wrestling Squad for Paris 2025?
India had qualified in multiple weight categories, including:
| Wrestler | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Vinesh Phogat | 53kg | Confirmed |
| Anshu Malik | 57kg | Confirmed |
| Sakshi Malik | 62kg | Confirmed |
| Sonam Malik | 68kg | Confirmed |
| Reetika Hooda | 76kg | Suspended |
With Reetika’s suspension, India’s representation in the heaviest women’s freestyle category is under threat, as the quota may be reallocated to the next best Asian wrestler by United World Wrestling (UWW) if an alternative Indian athlete has not secured Olympic qualification.
Recent Indian Wrestling Doping Cases
India’s wrestling programme has battled doping concerns repeatedly. Some recent high-profile cases include:
- Sandeep Tomar (2023) – 4-year ban for anabolic steroids.
- Seema Bisla (2022) – 2-year ban for methylhexaneamine.
- Rahul Aware (2021) – Cleared after B-sample negative.
Experts attribute this recurring issue to lack of awareness, poor supplement monitoring, and unregulated gym training practices, particularly among junior and emerging athletes.
Reetika’s Achievements Before Suspension
| Year | Event | Medal |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Senior Nationals | Gold |
| 2024 | Asian Wrestling Championships | Bronze |
| 2024 | World Olympic Qualifiers | Qualified Paris quota |
| 2025 | Commonwealth Ranking Series | Silver |
Her rise was viewed as a significant boost to India’s wrestling depth, especially in the heavyweight category dominated internationally by Japan, USA, and Russia.
What Happens Next?
- B-sample Testing: Reetika can request her B-sample to be tested. A negative B-sample can clear her provisionally.
- Disciplinary Hearing: If the B-sample also returns positive, a NADA Disciplinary Panel hearing will determine her suspension period, likely ranging from 2-4 years.
- Quota Reallocation: United World Wrestling will reassign the quota to another country if her suspension is confirmed before the final entry submission deadline.
Expert Reactions
Geeta Phogat (Olympian and Commonwealth gold medallist)
“This is disappointing for Indian wrestling. We must educate athletes on supplements, coaches’ responsibilities, and NADA guidelines to prevent such tragedies.”
Satpal Singh (Veteran coach and Dronacharya awardee)
“Talented kids are being misled by unqualified trainers. Wrestling federations must ensure strict monitoring of training environments.”
Fans React on Social Media
- “Heartbroken. Reetika was our medal hope. Hope this is a testing error.”
- “Zero tolerance for doping. Young athletes must be careful about what they consume.”
- “Indian wrestling needs a systematic doping education programme. This is embarrassing internationally.”
Way Forward for Indian Wrestling
The Wrestling Federation of India, already reeling under administrative controversies and leadership issues, faces an uphill task in restoring global credibility. Experts recommend:
- Mandatory doping education camps for all Olympic and national probables.
- Strict monitoring of supplements and gym trainers involved with elite athletes.
- Mental health support to reduce performance-enhancing temptations under pressure.
Conclusion
Reetika Hooda’s suspension is not merely an individual setback but a wake-up call for Indian wrestling, highlighting the urgent need for systemic reforms in athlete management, anti-doping awareness, and ethical coaching. As the Paris Olympics draw near, India’s wrestling contingent must regroup and refocus, ensuring that medals are won with integrity, discipline, and clean sportsmanship.
Disclaimer: This news content is for informational reporting purposes only. The doping suspension is provisional until final decisions are announced by NADA India and United World Wrestling after due disciplinary proceedings. Readers are advised to follow official NADA and UWW announcements for verified legal and sporting outcomes.
