New Delhi: Come to Earth, a silver medallist at the Commonwealth Games 2022has been provisionally suspended by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) and will miss the ongoing Commonwealth Games 2026, according to reports.
The suspension comes after Maan reportedly committed three whereabouts failures within a 12-month period, a violation under anti-doping regulations. As a result, she has been withdrawn from the Indian contingent for the upcoming Games, dealing a significant blow to the country’s medal prospects in judo.
Whereabouts failures lead to provisional suspension
Under global anti-doping rules, athletes in a registered testing pool are required to provide accurate information about their location to facilitate unannounced out-of-competition testing. Missing such tests or failing to provide correct whereabouts details on three occasions within a year constitutes an anti-doping rule violation.
A source within the judo setup confirmed the development, stating that NADA had issued a notice to Maan following the violations. The provisional suspension prevents her from participating in any competitions until the matter is resolved.
Maan had emerged as one of India’s top judokas in recent years, particularly after her silver medal performance in the women’s +78kg category at the Birmingham Games. Her absence from the Glasgow edition significantly weakens India’s chances in the discipline.
Another judoka Arun Kumar also withdrawn
The setback for Indian judo does not end with Maan. Arun Kumar, who was set to compete in the men’s -73kg category, has also been withdrawn from the squad after reportedly failing an out-of-competition dope test.
This dual setback has raised concerns within the Indian judo fraternity, especially ahead of a major international event. The absence of two key athletes reduces the team’s overall strength and disrupts preparations.
Team departure and schedule
The Indian judo team is yet to depart for Glasgow, as their competition schedule begins later in the Games. According to officials, the team is scheduled to leave India on July 27, with judo events set to commence on July 31.
The late withdrawals have forced last-minute adjustments to the squad, and it remains to be seen whether replacements will be named in time.
Impact on India’s medal hopes
Tulika Maan was considered a strong medal contender, given her previous success and consistent performances on the international circuit. Her suspension not only impacts her personal career but also affects India’s medal tally expectations at the Commonwealth Games.
Anti-doping compliance remains a critical aspect of modern sport, and whereabouts failures, though administrative in nature, are treated with the same seriousness as positive tests. The incident serves as a reminder of the strict obligations athletes must adhere to under global regulations.
Conclusion
The provisional suspension of Tulika Maan marks a significant setback for Indian judo ahead of the Commonwealth Games 2026. Along with Arun Kumar’s withdrawal, the developments have disrupted the team’s campaign even before it begins. As the Games approach, the focus will shift to how the remaining athletes adapt and whether India can still deliver strong performances despite these challenges.
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