India suffered a major blow just hours before the start of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow when judoka Arun Kumar was ruled out of the competition after an adverse analytical finding (AAF) was reported following a doping test.

As a result, Arun has been ruled out of the men’s 73 kg event at this year’s judo competition after being deemed ineligible.

The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) served a notice on Wednesday, following which Arun’s name was removed from the sports entry system of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. After the AAF was informed, the International Judo Federation (IJF) informed the organisers, while the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) was also informed about the development.

“Glasgow 2026 has received confirmation from the International Judo Federation that Arun Kumar is not eligible to compete at Glasgow 2026. As a result, he will be removed from the sport entry system,” Alice Anderson wrote on behalf of organisers.

No replacement for Arun

Judo Federation of India president Mukesh Kumar said he had high expectations from Arun during the Games and added that he would not be able to name a replacement before the start of the competition on Thursday, as the medal competitions would begin on Friday.

Kumar told The Tribune on Thursday, “His notice has come only yesterday which says he has to send his reply in 15 days. We will give him time but as per the rules, he cannot compete. We cannot replace anyone in such a short time. It is unfortunate because we had big expectations from Arun.”

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