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28 January 2026
The International Testing Agency (ITA) reports that a sample collected during an In-Competition doping control on 18 May 2025 during the 2025 World Masters Games in Taipei & New Taipei City, Taiwan, from canoe athlete Larisa Antonova (Russia) has returned an Adverse Analytical Finding¹ for meldonium.
Meldonium is prohibited under the 2025 WADA Prohibited List as S4. Hormone and Metabolic Modulators. It is also prohibited at all times (in- and out-of-competition) and classified as a non-specified substance. Meldonium may enhance sports performance by improving endurance and recovery through increased oxygen uptake and energy metabolism.
The athlete accepted the consequences of her Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) under the IMGA anti-doping rules, namely the finding of the ADRV, and the disqualification of all her individual results at the 2025 World Masters Games.
Accordingly, the ITA issued the sanction on behalf of the IMGA in accordance with article 8.3.3 of the IMGA anti-doping rules (and equivalent provision in the World Anti-Doping Code).²
The matter is considered as resolved from the perspective of the IMGA and has been referred to the International Canoe Federation (ICF) for a determination of further consequences under the ICF anti-doping rules.
Parties with a right of appeal may challenge the decision before the appeals division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in accordance with article 12.2 of the IMGA anti-doping rules.
There will be no further comments on this case.
¹ A report from a WADA-accredited laboratory that, consistent with the International Standard for Laboratories, establishes in a Sample the presence of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers or evidence of the Use of a Prohibited Method.
² When an athlete does not challenge the assertion of an ADRV and does not request a hearing, anti-doping organisations have the possibility to issue a written decision sanctioning the athlete and imposing the applicable consequences without having to refer the case to a hearing panel. This is provided in articles 8.3.2 and 8.3.3 of the IMGA Anti-Doping Rules and article 8.3 of the World Anti-Doping Code.
