The judoka, competing in the 73kg category, has been deemed ineligible to participate in the men’s event after receiving a notification from the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), leaving India without one of its top medal prospects in the sport.
NADA issued the notice to Arun on Wednesday following the adverse test result, which led to his removal from the Commonwealth Games Sports Entries System. The International Judo Federation (IJF) then informed the Glasgow 2026 organizers of his ineligibility, and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) was also updated.
“Glasgow 2026 has received confirmation from the International Judo Federation that Arun Kumar is not eligible to compete at Glasgow 2026. Consequently, he will be removed from the Sport Entries System,” the organizers stated.
This development’s timing means India cannot name a replacement before the judo competition commences, further diminishing its medal chances.
The president of the Judo Federation of India, Mukesh Kumar, expressed his disappointment, noting that the federation had high hopes for Arun at the Games.
“His notice only arrived yesterday, stating he has 15 days to respond. We will give him that time, but according to the rules, he cannot compete. Additionally, we cannot find a replacement on such short notice. It is unfortunate as we had significant expectations from Arun,” Kumar told The Tribune.
Arun has been a consistent member of India’s judo team in recent years, showcasing himself as one of the country’s brightest prospects with a series of impressive performances on the international stage.
His breakthrough moment came during the 2023 Macau Junior Asian Cup, where he secured the gold medal in the men’s 73kg category, a victory that greatly elevated his status as one of India’s promising talents in the sport.
This latest setback emerges just hours before the Commonwealth Games kick off in Glasgow, casting an unexpected shadow over India’s campaign following the loss of a key judoka.
