Indian kabaddi player Brijendra Choudhary sanctioned for doping, Asian Beach Games result quashed

Indian kabaddi player Brijendra Singh Choudhary, who was part of the silver-medallist men's team at the 6th Asian Beach Games, has been sanctioned for an anti-doping rule violation. The International Testing Agency (ITA) announced the decision on September 8, 2026, in a statement issued on behalf of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).

Choudhary tested positive for brinzolamide, a specified substance banned under World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules, during in-competition testing at the Games in Sanya, China. The Games were held from April 22 to 30; his sample was collected on April 27.

Brinzolamide is categorised as a diuretic and masking agent. Such substances are prohibited at all times because they can potentially be used to manipulate urine samples or mask the presence of other prohibited drugs. Choudhary did not contest the finding and accepted the consequences.

As part of the sanction, his individual results at the event have been disqualified, including his second-place finish in the Men's Beach Kabaddi competition. The ITA stated that only Choudhary's individual results are affected, without specifying whether the team's medal standing would change.

"The athlete accepted the consequences of his ADRV under the OCA anti-doping rules, namely the finding of the ADRV and the disqualification of his individual results obtained at the 6th Asian Beach Games Sanya 2026, which include his second place in the Men's Beach Kabaddi event," the ITA said.

The sanction was issued under Article 8.3.3 of the OCA anti-doping rules, which permits an anti-doping organisation to impose consequences without a formal hearing when an athlete does not challenge a violation. Since Choudhary accepted the finding, no hearing was required, and no fresh disciplinary proceedings will be initiated in India.

The case has been transferred to the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) for a decision on any further consequences, such as suspension or a ban, under its own rules. The ITA noted that the matter is now considered resolved from the OCA's perspective.

Choudhary is an all-rounder who has competed in the Pro Kabaddi League, having played for the Dabang Delhi franchise in the 2024 season. Public records show no previous anti-doping cases involving him.

India's men's kabaddi team won silver at the Asian Beach Games, while the women's team claimed gold. The ITA's statement did not clarify whether Choudhary's disqualification affects the team's silver medal; that determination is expected from the IKF.

The ITA also stated that parties with a right of appeal may challenge the decision before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). This leaves a legal avenue for the athlete or other concerned bodies to seek a review if they believe the ruling was made in error.