Asian Games 2026 sees third doping violation in Nagoya

A third doping violation has been reported at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. The International Testing Agency (ITA) announced that Uzbekistani mixed martial arts (MMA) bronze medalist Nodirbek Savkatov tested positive for meldonium.

Savkatov has received a provisional suspension but maintains the right to appeal the decision and request an analysis of his 'B' sample. Meldonium, which has been on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited list since 2016, is used to treat certain heart conditions but can enhance endurance and muscle recovery.

This marks the third case in the current games. Previously, Thai badminton player Pitsamon Opattniput tested positive for furosemide, a diuretic that can mask steroid use, following an out-of-competition test. Additionally, Turkmenistani karateka Dayan Kelytliyev also tested positive for meldonium.