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After the suspension of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) was lifted in March 2025 after a gap of two years by the Sports Ministry, the wrestling national camp was also resumed at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi. Serving as a platform by many Olympic medallists and Asian Games champions, this time, the wrestlers resumed practice to prepare for upcoming events, including the World Championship in September, which is scheduled to be held in Zagreb. But before the multi-national event, the Indian wrestling contingent has been handed a massive jolt.
Paris 2024 Olympian and Asian Championship medallist, Reetika Hooda has tested positive for using a banned performance-enhancing substance in a test conducted by National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). She has been provisionally suspended by NADA on July 7, 2025, followed by the suspension by UWW for a year, which will keep her out of action until July 7, 2026.
Reetika to remain out of action until July 7, 2026
Following the failed test, Reetika has been asked to leave the ongoing national wrestling camp until further notice. Notably, Reetika competes in the 76kg weight category and recently won a silver medal at the Asian Championships followed by a gold medal win at the Ulaanbaatar Ranking Series in May. According to a report by the Bridge, two other wrestlers, Muskan (59kg) and Vineeta (50kg) also have been suspended as they have also failed the doping test. 17-years-old Muskan recently won a bronze medal in the 59 kg at the 2025 Asian Wrestling Championships in Amman. She also won gold at the Ulaanbaatar Ranking Series, winning four bouts.
Reetika was one of the top contenders in Paris Olympics 2024
In her category of 76kg Reetika emerged as one of India’s top wrestlers when she earned a qualification for the tournament and ultimately reached the quarter-finals. In her quarter-final bout against Aiperi Medet Kyzy of Kyrgyzstan, she put on a spirited show to lead by a point at the break. However, she conceded a point in the second period and the match ended with an equal score, 1-1. Despite the tie, Reetika was edged out on criteria as Kyzy had secured the last point of the bout.
