In December 2022 the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) reported an anti-doping rule violation against the bodybuilder Jotham Karani Elahetia after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substance Hydrochlorothiazide.
Following notification a provisional suspension was ordered. The Athlete filed a statement in his defence and he was heard for the Kenya Sports Disputes Tribunal.
The Athlete admitted the violation and denied the intentional use of the substance. He explained that as treatment for his swelling without a prescription he had purchased Lasix at a pharmacy.
He asserted that prior he had not received anti-doping education while he was tested for the first time. He acknowledged that he had not mentioned his medication on the Doping Control Form.
The Panel finds that the presence of the prohibited substance has been established in the Athlete's sample and accordingly that he committed an anti-doping rule violation.
The Panel determines that the Athlete's violation was intentional and he demonstrated how the substance had entered his system. Further the Panel considers that he was tested for the first time and had not received anti-doping education.
Therefore the Panel decides on 8 June 2023 to impose a 2 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete, starting on the date of the provosional suspension, i.e. on 8 December 2022.
