Indian long-distance runner Abhishek Pal, set to represent the nation at the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, has been served an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) notice by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) for an alleged doping violation.
The notice follows the detection of Clomiphene, a drug primarily used in the treatment of female infertility, in his sample.
The development, reported today, August 29, 2026, has thrown Pal’s participation in the prestigious continental event into jeopardy. He was slated to compete in the men’s 5000m and 10,000m races at the Asian Games, scheduled to begin on September 19 and conclude on October 4.
The Substance and Its Implications
Clomiphene, a ‘specified substance’ under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code, is prohibited in sports. While primarily a female fertility drug, it can also be used as a masking agent to conceal the presence of anabolic steroids.
Sources close to the development, quoted by The Tribune, indicated that the concentration of clomiphene found in Pal’s sample was reportedly below two nanograms per millilitre (2 ng/mL), which is WADA’s minimum reporting level for the parent compound, as per Technical Letter TL26, effective from January 1, 2026.
Abhishek Pal’s Response and Future
Abhishek Pal has already submitted his response to NADA and is expected to contest the notice, maintaining he has been ‘hard done by’ the findings.
Crucially, NADA has not yet imposed a provisional suspension on the athlete, allowing him the opportunity to present his case. If NADA determines deliberate doping, Pal could face a minimum two-year ban, effectively ruling him out of the 2026 Asian Games.
Training Background and Previous Success
Pal is currently training in Colorado Springs, USA, under the guidance of coach Scott Simmons. This is not the first instance of an athlete under Simmons’ tutelage facing a doping charge; Murali Gavit, another Indian athlete, is currently serving a four-year ban for an erythropoietin violation.
Pal has been in strong form recently, securing a gold medal in the 10,000m and a silver in the 5000m at the National Inter-State Championships in June 2026. He also clinched a bronze medal in the 10,000m at the 2023 Asian Athletics Championships, highlighting his potential at the continental level.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Athlete | Abhishek Pal |
| Sport | Athletics (Long-distance runner) |
| Agency | National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) |
| Finding | Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) notice |
| Substance Detected | Clomiphene (female fertility drug) |
| Event in Question | 2026 Asian Games (Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, September 19 – October 4) |
| Events Selected For | Men’s 5000m, Men’s 10,000m |
| Current Status | No provisional suspension; Pal has submitted reply and will contest |
| Potential Consequence | Minimum two-year ban and missing Asian Games if found guilty |
| Training Location | Colorado Springs, USA (under coach Scott Simmons) |
This development marks a significant setback for Indian athletics ahead of the crucial Asian Games. The resolution of Abhishek Pal’s case will be closely watched, as it carries substantial implications for his career and India’s medal hopes in long-distance running.