Olympian wrestler Reetika suspended for doping, says she’d come out clean

The 76-kg wrestler has been provisionally suspended by NADA, says she will cooperate with the investigation

New Delhi: Paris Olympian and Asian Championships silver medallist Reetika Hooda has been “provisionally suspended” for a doping violation by the National Anti Doping Agency, it has been learnt.

India’s 76kg woman wrestler Reetika Hooda. (Getty Images)

NADA provisionally suspended Reetika on July 7, 2025. It was learnt the violation was reported during a selection trial at the IG Stadium, where the women’s national camp is on. Taking note of Reetika’s failed dope test, UWW has provisionally suspended her until July 7, 2026. The result mechanism process will continue.

Meanwhile Reetika, on the other hand, said she will come out clean. “I have full faith in NADA, the federation. I have given so many dope tests in my career and never tested positive. I will fully cooperate with the investigation and I will come out clean,” Reetika said.

Reetika has left the ongoing national camp held at the IG Stadium, it has been learnt. Besides Reetika, two other wrestlers, including another Asian championship bronze medallist, have also been provisionally suspended, said a WFI official.

“They have left the national camp. Interestingly all three are from the same training centre in Rohtak,” the official added.

Reetika, who competes in the 76kg weight class, has emerged as one of India’s top wrestlers since she qualified for Paris Olympics and reached the quarterfinals. She won a silver medal at the Asian Championships this year, and gold at the Ulaanbaatar ranking series in May. She was one of India’s strong contenders to win a medal at the world championships scheduled in Zagreb in September.

“The wrestlers are now in the national camp and are being regularly tested,” said the official.