In a major setback to India’s shooting contingent, pistol shooter Gaurav Kumar Masoori of Baghpat has been caught in a doping controversy after testing positive for a banned substance. Masoori was selected for both the 2026 Asian Games and the upcoming ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou, China. The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) issued an adverse analytical finding (AAF) notification after his sample tested positive for propranolol and its metabolite, 4-hydroxy-propranolol. Propranolol is a beta blocker that lowers heart rate and is prohibited in precision sports such as shooting because it can provide a competitive advantage.
NADA Notification and Eligibility
According to the NADA notification, Masoori remains eligible to compete as he has not been provisionally suspended. However, the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has removed him from the Asian Games squad to avoid delays. Akash Bharadwaj will now represent India in the 10m air pistol event alongside Kedarling Uchaganve and Kamaljeet at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. NRAI Secretary General Pawan Singh confirmed the decision: “We had to take the decision to replace his name in the Asian Games squad as he has been issued a notification. We would not have been able to make the change in time for the Games if we had delayed the decision.”
Sample Collection and Anti-Doping Rules
Masoori’s sample was collected during the Kumar Surendra Singh Memorial Shooting Championship, held in New Delhi from April 28 to May 15. NADA stated in its notification: “According to Articles 2.1 and 2.2 of the National Anti-Doping Rules, 2021, the presence of a prohibited substance in an athlete’s sample and/or the use or attempted use of a prohibited substance by an athlete constitutes an anti-doping rule violation (ADRV). Accordingly, NADA India is notifying you that this AAF is being brought forward as an apparent ADRV pursuant to Articles 2.1 and 2.2 of the NADR, 2021.”
Coach’s Response and B Sample Decision
Interestingly, the Baghpat shooter had declared the use of a painkiller in his doping control form. His coach, Shekhar Tomar, said a reply had already been submitted to NADA. “In our reply, we have stated what was mentioned in the doping control form — that he had taken a painkiller. We have, however, decided not to seek testing of the B sample. All we can do now is wait for NADA’s decision,” Tomar said.
World Cup Squad Uncertainty
While the NRAI has replaced Masoori in the Asian Games squad, organisers of the ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou have declined India’s request to make a replacement in the entry list. It remains to be seen whether the NRAI elevates Jai Prakash Malviya to take Masoori’s place in the Indian contingent. Malviya is currently entered as a Ranking Points Only (RPO) shooter, a category that allows participation only in the qualification round. He is ranked seventh in the NRAI rankings. “They will probably have to promote him because the Chinese organisers have already denied our request to replace Gaurav’s name in the entry list,” a source said.
