Bangladesh weightlifter Mabia Akter Simanta has been handed a two-year ban by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) after testing positive for a prohibited substance at the Islamic Solidarity Games held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia last year, according to reports.
Her sample, collected before the start of the games, was found to contain banned diuretics. Based on the findings, the South Asia Regional Anti-Doping Organization imposed the sanction under the WADA Code.
An official letter confirming the decision was sent to Mabia last Thursday.
She will have the opportunity to appeal the verdict in line with international anti-doping regulations.
Diuretics are medications that help remove excess water and salt from the body.
As a result of the ruling, Bangladesh’s top weightlifter will be barred from all international and competitive sporting activities for two years.
Reacting to the ban, Mabia maintained her innocence, saying she did not attempt to gain any unfair advantage and had taken medication for knee pain and allergies on a doctor’s advice.
Speaking to Prothom Alo, she said, “I took medicine for knee pain and allergies. The BOA (Bangladesh Olympic Association) always advised us not to take anything without a doctor’s prescription, and I followed that. I did not take anything secretly. I have all the prescriptions.”
She added, “In BOA seminars, we were taught that anything we consume should be prescribed by a doctor. But it was never clearly explained which specific medicines are prohibited. I took the medicine on medical advice, but despite having a prescription, I am now facing punishment.”
Mabia also said she is preparing to file an appeal within the 14-day deadline.
Mabia began her career in the national team in 2012 and has since won five international gold medals, including consecutive golds at the 2016 and 2019 South Asian Games.
