Azernews.Az

By Laman Ismayilova

Azerbaijani Greco-Roman wrestler Vitaliy Rahimov, who won the silver medal of the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics, was deprived of his medal.

The International Olympic Committee made a relevant decision after re-examination of his doping test. Reportedly, the test revealed the use of banned dehydrochloro-methyltestosterone (Turinabol).

The wrestler, who already ended his sport carrier, must return the silver medal and a diploma in accordance with the IOC decision.

However, Rahimov does not agree with the IOC decision.

The wrestler claimed that the test is falsified, noting that he successfully passed all doping tests during the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics.

“If I had a doping, then I would not be admitted to the Olympics then,” he said. .

The Vice-President of the Azerbaijani National Olympic Committee (NOC), Chingiz Huseynzade, commenting on the issue, announced that the Committee will send an official appeal to the Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation.

"The Federation will give an explanation regarding the athlete's failure to pass doping test. Then, we will adopt a relevant decision; however, the International Olympic Committee’s decision comes into effect immediately. But we have to learn the opinion of the Federation. Today, Vitaliy Rahimov will meet with the NOC officials. So, the process is underway. The public will be informed after the results", he said.

Taking into account the international community's fight against doping in sport, Azerbaijan has undertaken certain obligations in this area and strengthens the anti-doping fight.

Anti-Doping Agency will be established in Azerbaijan with a view to reveal cases of doping use by national athletes. The Agency will be created in accordance with the requirements of international sports organizations.

The draft law “On fight against the use of doping substances and doping methods in sport” was approved by the Azerbaijani Parliament in October.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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