An Iraqi athlete, Sajjad Sehen, has been disqualified from participating in the Olympics before the games even began. The judoka tested positive for banned substances metandienone and boldenone in a sample taken in Paris. As a result, Sehen is suspended from competition pending a disciplinary case.
The International Testing Agency, responsible for overseeing the anti-doping program for the International Olympic Committee, stated that Sehen is prohibited from competing, training, coaching, or engaging in any activities during the Olympic Games. The athlete has the option to challenge the provisional suspension before the Court of Arbitration for Sport and request the analysis of the B sample.
Sehen, who was set to compete in the 81kg division, was slated to face Sharofiddin Boltaboev of Uzbekistan in the Round of 32. Despite his achievements, including a bronze at the 2023 Arab Games and two World Cup bronze medals last year, he will not be able to compete in this year’s Olympics.
With Sehen out of the competition, Iraq is now left with only three athletes representing the country in the games: sprinter Taha Hussein Yaseen, swimmer Hasan Al-Zinkee, and weightlifter Ali Rubaiawi. The 81kg competition, in which Sehen was supposed to participate, is scheduled to begin on July 30 at 4 a.m. ET.
It is unfortunate that Sehen’s Olympic journey has come to an abrupt end due to the use of banned substances. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fair play and adherence to anti-doping regulations in sports. It also highlights the consequences that athletes face when they violate these rules, impacting not only their own careers but also their country’s representation in international competitions.