Yash Kumar Chauhan Provisionally Suspended at Asian Games

Indian kurash athlete Yash Kumar Chauhan has been provisionally suspended with immediate effect after an in-competition sample collected at the 2026 Asian Games returned an Adverse Analytical Finding, according to the Olympic Council of Asia.

The sample was collected on September 27 and tested by the International Testing Agency, which is conducting sample collection and results management at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on behalf of the OCA. The suspension means Chauhan cannot compete, train, coach or take part in any activity during the Games while the matter is being resolved.

The case concerns Chauhan’s participation in kurash at the Asian Games, where he competed in the men’s 90kg category. The 24-year-old lost to Tajikistan’s Mirmamadov Shakarmamad in the round of 16 on September 27.

OCA details substances in adverse finding

In its statement, the OCA said the sample from Chauhan contained non-specified prohibited substances: Metandienone metabolites, GW1516 metabolites, Mephentermine and its metabolite.

Metandienone is an oral anabolic-androgenic steroid derived from testosterone and is prohibited at all times under the World Anti-Doping Code. The OCA described it as a potent anabolic steroid that increases testosterone levels and can cause muscle-mass growth, endurance and strength.

GW1516 is also prohibited both in and out of competition. The substance activates pathways involved in fat metabolism and can improve endurance performance, according to the OCA’s explanation.

Mephentermine is listed as a non-specified stimulant and is prohibited in competition. The OCA said it acts on the central nervous system and may increase alertness while reducing fatigue.

The OCA said Chauhan had been informed of the case and that the provisional suspension was imposed in line with the World Anti-Doping Code and the OCA Anti-Doping Rules. A provisional suspension is not a final ruling on the case, with the process remaining subject to the available anti-doping procedures.

Chauhan has the right to challenge the imposition of the provisional suspension before the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s Anti-Doping Division. He also has the right to request analysis of his B-sample.

What the suspension means during the Games

The immediate restriction removes Chauhan from all Games-related participation while the case is pending. The OCA specifically stated that he is prevented from competing, training, coaching or participating in any activity during the Asian Games.

Kurash competition at the 2026 Asian Games was held from September 26 to 29. Chauhan’s bout against Shakarmamad came on the second day of that programme, the same date on which his sample was collected.

India’s kurash campaign produced one medal at the Games, with Pincky Balhara winning bronze in the women’s 78kg category. Chauhan’s case is separate from that result and concerns the anti-doping finding reported by the OCA.

The next steps will depend on the handling of the case under the applicable anti-doping rules, including whether Chauhan seeks B-sample analysis or challenges the provisional suspension. Until there is a resolution, the immediate suspension remains in force.