Pakistani wrestler Ali Asad has been stripped of his bronze medal from the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. The Pakistan Wrestling Federation confirmed the four-year ban and medal revocation following an investigation by the International Testing Agency (ITA).
Asad’s positive test was confirmed by the ITA, prompting the ruling this week. The wrestler waived his right to a hearing and failed to respond to the allegations within the stipulated deadline.
This incident adds to a growing list of doping bans faced by Pakistani athletes in recent years. In May 2023, the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) imposed four-year bans on four Pakistani weightlifters for anti-doping violations. Abdur Rehman, Sharjeel Butt, Ghulam Mustafa, and Farhan Amjad were suspended for refusing to provide samples to the ITA in November 2021.
Despite appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS), the suspensions were upheld. Top weightlifters Olympian Talha Talib and Abu Bakar Ghani also received two-year bans for using banned substances. Talib, who placed fifth in the Tokyo Olympics, remains banned until February 2025.
The Pakistan Wrestling Federation and the IWF have expressed concern over the increasing number of doping cases involving Pakistani athletes. They have emphasized the importance of adhering to anti-doping regulations and promoting clean sport.
The use of performance-enhancing drugs not only violates the principles of fair play but also poses significant health risks to athletes. The authorities are committed to combating doping and ensuring the integrity of sports competitions.
