The International Testing Agency (ITA) has announced sanctions against world Kurash champions Erkin Kozokov (UZB) and Dayanch Omirov (TKM) for violating anti-doping rules.The news was also published in the Inside the Games sports news website site.
Erkin Kozokov from Uzbekistan tested positive for meldonium, a banned substance, during doping control at the World Series Pro (WSP) final in Tashkent on December 17, 2024. The athlete admitted to violating anti-doping rules and accepted the measures imposed by the ITA. As a result, his suspension was reduced from the initial four years to three years.
Erkin Kozokov is suspended from all official competitions from January 30, 2025, to January 29, 2028. All his results since December 17, 2024, have also been annulled.
Another world champion, Dayanch Omirov from Turkmenistan, tested positive for the metabolites of methandienone and meldonium. These substances are strictly prohibited on the 2025 WADA list and are used to artificially increase muscle mass, strength, and endurance in athletes. A sample taken during out-of-competition testing on June 18, 2025, showed that the athlete had violated anti-doping rules.
Dayanch Omirov has been provisionally suspended. He has the right to request an analysis of sample B. If sample B gives the same result, his case will be registered as a final violation.
For reference: Erkin Kozokov and Dayanch Omirov won their weight categories at the 14th World Senior Kurash Championships in Ashgabat in 2023. Their current doping case will not affect the results of the championship.
