Uzbek judoka first drugs casualty

GUANGZHOU - Judo silver medalist Shokir Muminov of Uzbekistan is the first athlete to fail a doping test at the Guangzhou Asian Games.

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) announced on Friday that Muminov had tested positive for the stimulant methylhexaneamine after finishing second in the men's 81kg division.

"The athlete has been disqualified from the competition as well as from the games. His performance in the competition has been nullified, his medal withdrawn and appropriate adjustments have been made to the results," said Mani Jegathesan, chairman of the OCA medical commission.

According to Jegathesan, Muminov's urine sample on Nov 14 was found to contain methylhexaneamine, which has been the subject of several high-profile doping cases since the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) added it to its banned list earlier this year.

The substance is widely used as a nasal decongestant, but is also found in recreational drugs.

A component of flower oil, methylhexaneamine is a common ingredient in a variety of nutritional supplements and easily available on the Internet.

Details of Muminov's case have been forwarded to the athlete's national authorities, the International Judo Federation and WADA for further action.

Timurnsshk Nbaev, media officer for Uzbekistan's delegation, declined to make any comment.

According to Jegathesan, the judoka waived an appeal of the ruling.

Up to now, about 750 doping tests have been conducted during the games.

China Daily