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28 May 2025
The ITA reports that the athlete Sarsen Zhetibayeb has agreed¹ to the consequences imposed for his anti-doping rule violation (ADRV) under article 2.1 and article 2.2 of the UWW anti-doping rules (UWW ADR).
The athlete provided a sample on 12 October 2024 during an in-competition anti-doping control at the World Grappling Championships (Seniors, U20, U17, U15, Veterans). After analysis by a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-accredited laboratory, the sample returned an adverse analytical finding for boldenone.²
Boldenone is prohibited under the WADA Prohibited List in the category S1.1 Anabolic Androgenic Steroids. It is prohibited at all times and is classified as a non-specified substance. Boldenone can enhance performance by promoting muscle growth and increasing strength.
The athlete did not challenge his ADRV and agreed with the consequences proposed by the ITA. Due to his early admission, the athlete was entitled to a one-year reduction of the otherwise four-year period of ineligibility usually imposed for an ADRV for the presence of boldenone as set forth in article 10.8.1 of the UWW ADR³. Accordingly, the case was resolved via an acceptance of consequences. The athlete’s period of ineligibility is from 7 February 2025 until 6 February 2028 and his disqualification of competitive results is set from 12 October 2024 onwards.
The relevant stakeholders, namely the WADA and the Kazakhstan National Anti-Doping Centre, have a right to appeal the consequences imposed before the appeals division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The ITA will not comment further on this case.
¹ Athletes have the right to choose not to have their case referred to a hearing panel. In these instances, the anti-doping organisation will assess the athlete’s case file and establish the applicable consequences pursuant to the anti-doping rules and the athlete will have the right to accept the proposed consequences. If the athlete refuses the proposed consequences, the case is transferred to a hearing panel. This resolution mechanism is provided for in articles 8.3.1 and 8.3.3 of the UWW anti-doping rules and 8.3 of the World Anti-Doping Code and is commonly referred to as an agreement on consequences and is deemed an UWW/ITA decision. The athlete’s National Anti-Doping Organisation and the World Anti-Doping Agency have the right to appeal the agreement on consequences before the competent appeal body.
² 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.
³ Article 10.8.1 of the UWW ADR (and World Anti-Doping Code) provides for a one-year reduction for certain ADRVs based on early admission and acceptance of sanction. This applies where an athlete after being notified by UWW/ITA of a potential ADRV that carries an asserted period of Ineligibility of four (4) or more years, admits the violation and accepts the asserted period of Ineligibility no later than twenty (20) days after receiving notice of an ADRV charge. Where the athlete receives the one-year reduction under Article 10.8.1, no further reduction in the period of Ineligibility is allowed.
