In December 2013 the World Archery Federation (WA) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Iranian Athlete Hamzeh Nekoei after his A and B samples tested positive for the prohibited substance glycerol. After notification the WA ordered a provisional suspension. The Athlete filed a statement in his defence and was heard for the WA Anti-Doping Panel.
The Athlete stated that the source of the positive test was the Athlete’s consumption of “Ghovato”, a natural supplement of Iranian herbal medicine, which he used without intention to enhance his sport performance.
The Panel considers the Athlete’s statement and concludes that the Athlete failed to prove with corroborating evidence that the supplement Ghovato was the source of the postitive test.
Therefore the WA Anti-Doping Panel decides on 8 May 2014 to impose a 2 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete, starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 17 February 2014.
