India’s national record holder in the women’s 1500m, KM Deeksha, has tested positive for a banned substance ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The 27-year-old had set the national record of 4:04.78 in Los Angeles two years ago. She last competed at the Indian Open Athletics Series in Jaipur on April 5, where she clocked 4:25.74.
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The middle distance runner did not participate in the Federation Cup athletics meet in Ranchi last month. The Federation Cup served as a qualifying event for the Commonwealth Games.
However, the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has not yet made any official announcement regarding her suspension. But it is learned that she was handed a letter regarding the ban in the last week of May, casting a shadow over her eligibility for the CWG.
The failed test means she is likely to face a ban, throwing her Commonwealth Games qualification hopes into disarray.
Deeksha was training under SK Prasad at the Madhya Pradesh Athletics Academy in April. However, the coach said she had sought a ‘no objection certificate’ to represent Uttar Pradesh.
Last week, four weightlifters from the national camp had reportedly tested positive for banned substances.
Doping menace in India
India has the world’s highest number of dope offenders. The country has topped the global doping violation charts for three consecutive years now. According to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), India recorded 260 Adverse Analytical Findings (AAFs) in 2024 from just over 7,000 samples, resulting in an alarming 3.6 per cent positivity rate – the highest globally and more than double that of any other nation.
In April this year, Witold Banka, the head of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), said India was the biggest producer of illegal performance-enhancing drugs and illegal steroids.
He suggested a crackdown on this racket to protect athletes.
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WADA also held a meeting with Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Special Director Manoj Sashidhar to combat organized doping networks.
India’s Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has also proposed sweeping changes to the National Anti-Doping Act. He suggested a legal framework targeting organized doping networks, illegal suppliers, and unscrupulous medical personnel with criminal provisions, while exempting athletes who simply test positive from criminal prosecution.
