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New Delhi: India’s judo campaign at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games has suffered a major setback after Commonwealth silver medallist Tulika Maan was withdrawn from the squad following a provisional suspension by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA).

Maan is one of India’s leading judokas and was removed from the team after being charged with three whereabouts failures within a 12-month period. Under World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules, the violation could lead to a possible two-year ban if confirmed.

The 27-year-old was expected to be one of India’s strongest medal contenders in Glasgow after winning silver in the women’s +78kg category at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games. However, her suspension has forced her out of the competition before India’s judo events begin.

A member of India’s judo contingent confirmed that Maan had been withdrawn after receiving a notice from NADA.

“She has committed three whereabouts failures in a 12-month period and NADA has sent notice to her. So, she will be withdrawn from the team,” a judo coach told PTI on condition of anonymity.

Maan’s exit comes just a day after another Indian judoka, Arun Kumar, was provisionally suspended following a positive out-of-competition test for an anabolic steroid. Kumar competes in the men’s -73kg category and was also removed from the Commonwealth Games squad.

India’s judo team is yet to travel to Glasgow, with the competition scheduled to begin on July 31. The squad is set to depart on July 27, but the two suspensions have disrupted preparations ahead of the Games.

Maan’s case is not related to a failed doping test but comes under the anti-doping whereabouts system. Athletes included in the Registered Testing Pool must provide regular updates about their location, training details and availability for testing.

Three whereabouts failures, including missed tests or incomplete filing information within a 12-month period are considered an anti-doping rule violation under WADA regulations.

Maan has been one of India’s most successful judokas in recent years. Along with her Commonwealth Games medal, she represented the country at the 2024 Paris Olympics and competed at the 2022 and 2024 World Championships.

India had selected a 14-member judo squad for Glasgow after winning three judo medals at the 2022 Birmingham Games. Maan’s absence leaves a significant gap in the women’s heavyweight category and adds further uncertainty to India’s campaign after two early withdrawals.