ITA Confirms Brijendra Chaudhary’s Positive Test, Strips Silver Medal in Sanya 2026

The International Testing Agency confirmed on Tuesday that Brijendra Singh Chaudhary, who represented India in men’s beach kabaddi at the 2026 Asian Beach Games in Sanya, recorded a positive result for brinzolamide. The drug is listed by the World Anti‑Doping Agency as a prohibited diuretic and masking agent, falling under the S5 category of specified substances. Chaudhary’s urine sample, collected on 27 April 2026, yielded an adverse analytical finding, leading the athlete to accept the violation under the Olympic Council of Asia’s anti‑doping framework. Consequently, his individual standing, including the second‑place finish that contributed to India’s silver medal tally, has been nullified. The Indian men’s team, which had previously defeated Pakistan 50‑27 in the semi‑finals, was unable to overcome Iran in the final, losing 44‑31. The case has been escalated to the International Kabaddi Federation for final adjudication, and an appeal can be lodged with the Court of Arbitration for Sport.