Islamic Solidarity Games Riyad 2025 – The ITA notifies two athletes of potential anti-doping rule violations

In the scope of the delivery of an independent anti-doping program for the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games, which took place from 7 to 21 November 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the ITA reports that the following athletes have been notified that their samples have tested positive:

• Abdulrahman Abdullah H Alghamdi, a triathlete from Saudi Arabia, provided a sample on 14 November 2025 which returned an adverse analytical finding for two prohibited substances, namely exogeneous boldenone, an anabolic androgenic steroid, and methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta (CERA), a peptide hormone. Both substances are considered as non-specified substances and are prohibited at all times (in-competition and out-of-competition) under the Prohibited List of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Boldenone is a bulking agent which stimulates muscle growth and assists the recovery after strenuous effort. CERA stimulates erythropoiesis (red blood cell production) and can modify the body’s capacity to transport oxygen and, therefore, increase stamina and performance. The athlete participated in the duathlon competition where he placed 6^th.
• Oucif Houssem, a wrestler from Algeria, provided a sample on 20 November 2025 which returned an adverse analytical finding for stanozolol. Stanozolol is listed under the WADA Prohibited List as an anabolic androgenic steroid. It is classified as a non-specified substance and is prohibited at all times (in- and out-of-competition). Stanozolol promotes lean muscle growth and enhances strength. The athlete participated in the – 97kg wrestling freestyle event and placed 9^th.

The athletes have been informed of their respective cases. They each have the right to request the analysis of their B-sample. If the B-sample analysis is requested and confirm the result of the A-sample, or if the B-sample analysis is not requested, the cases will proceed as a confirmed anti-doping rule violation. The athletes have the opportunity to present explanations for the positive results. The athletes will also be provisionally suspended by their respective international federation pending the results management proceedings of their cases in accordance with the respective anti-doping regulations.

Given that the cases are underway, there will be no further comments during the ongoing proceeding.