Doping detected in two representatives of Uzbekistan who went to the Asian Games
One of them has already won a medal, while the second was scheduled to participate in today's competitions.
Two representatives of Uzbekistan heading to the Asian Games test positive for doping
Two members of the Uzbekistan delegation — canoeist Pavel Eigel and mixed martial arts athlete Nodirbek Shavkatov — have been provisionally suspended from the 2026 Asian Games due to the presence of prohibited substances in their doping samples.
According to the International Testing Agency (ITA), trimetazidine was detected in Pavel Eigel's sample, while meldonium was found in Nodirbek Shavkatov's. Both substances are included in the WADA prohibited list.
Until a final decision is made, the athletes cannot participate in competitions.
It is noted that they can request the analysis of the "B" sample to recheck the result and appeal the provisional suspension decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. No final decision has been made regarding the athletes yet.
For reference, Nodirbek Shavkatov (-71 kg) won a bronze medal in the modern discipline of mixed martial arts on September 21, having lost to Kazakhstan's Qodirbek Shinbayev in the semifinals.
The 36-year-old Pavel Eigel is a Russian citizen and was a bronze medalist at the 2018 World Championships. In May 2025, he changed his sporting nationality and decided to represent Uzbekistan at the 2026 Asian Games.
He was expected to start his participation in the tournament today, September 29, but was disqualified.