Sajjad Sehen, an Iraqi judoka, has been provisionally suspended from the Olympic Games after testing positive for banned substances metandienone and boldenone. The suspension prevents him from competing, training, or participating in any Olympic-related activities.
Sajjad Sehen's Olympic dreams were shattered even before the opening ceremony after a positive doping test revealed the presence of banned substances in his system. The Iraqi judoka, who was scheduled to compete in the 81kg division, is now facing a provisional suspension and disciplinary proceedings.
The anti-doping sample, taken in Paris on Tuesday, tested positive for metandienone and boldenone, both anabolic steroids. According to the International Testing Agency (ITA), which oversees the International Olympic Committee's anti-doping program, Sehen's suspension prohibits him from participating in the Games.
Iraqi Judoka Fails Doping Test, Suspended from Olympic Competition
The 28-year-old has the right to challenge the suspension before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and request the analysis of his B sample. However, he cannot compete, train, or engage in any Olympic-related activities during this period.
The failed doping test casts a shadow over Sehen's career, which has seen him claim bronze at the 2023 Arab Games and two World Cup bronze medals in 2022. He was due to face Sharofiddin Boltaboev of Uzbekistan in the elimination Round of 32.
Iraqi Judoka Fails Doping Test, Suspended from Olympic Competition
With Sehen's suspension, Iraq's representation at the Paris Olympics has been reduced to three athletes: sprinter Taha Hussein Yaseen, swimmer Hasan Al-Zinkee, and weightlifter Ali Rubaiawi. The entire 18-person soccer team has also qualified.
The Tokyo Games, held in 2021, saw six athletes test positive for banned substances. Anabolic steroids, such as metandienone and boldenone, are often used by athletes to enhance their performance and muscle mass.
Iraqi Judoka Fails Doping Test, Suspended from Olympic Competition
The ITA has emphasized its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the Olympic Games and ensuring a level playing field for all athletes. Doping violations are taken seriously, and athletes who violate the rules face severe consequences.
As the Olympic Games progress, the focus remains not only on the athletic achievements but also on the importance of fair play and the preservation of the spirit of the Games. Doping has no place in sport, and those who attempt to gain an unfair advantage will face the full force of the anti-doping regulations.
