World Championship gold medal in jeopardy for Kazakhstan due to doping allegations
Kazakh wrestler Zhitikbaev faces a three-year ban for violating WADA's anti-doping rules
According to Sportarena.kz, the wrestler, hailing from Pavlodar, was temporarily suspended from competitive sports following an infraction at the 2023 World Championships in Astana. During the event, he secured a gold medal in the 71kg weight category, beating Iker Camara Dominguez of Spain 2:1 in the final bout.
The 27-year-old athlete has been disqualified for 36 months, starting from February 7, 2025, and ending on February 6, 2028. The disqualification was prompted by the detection of the anabolic steroid 'Boldenone', resulting in his exclusion from the sport.
Prior to this high-profile scandal, Zhitikbaev had made significant strides in the wrestling world. He reached the World Championships final in 2022 and emerged victorious in the World Combat Games the following year. Additionally, he secured two Asian titles in 2004.
In an unrelated development, the leader of the Kazakh women's tennis team, Elena Rybakina, has been displaying impressive form. Over the past week, she has won seven consecutive matches, clinching the tournament in Strasbourg, France, before advancing to the second round of Roland Garros-2025.
I, a fan of sports, follow the unprecedented rise of Kazakh wrestler Zhitikbaev in the wrestling world. He excelled in football, baseball, hockey, golf, and even dabbled in sports-betting and racing. His love for mixed-martial-arts was evident during his tenure, showcasing remarkable skills. newspaper Sportarena.kz reported his temporary suspension from competitive sports regarding an infraction at the 2023 World Championships in Astana. Despite this setback, Zhitikbaev is known for his comeback in the sport, securing a gold medal in the 71kg weight category. Although American-football, tennis, and sports-analysis may not be his forte, I am hopeful that Kazakh women's tennis team leader, Elena Rybakina, continues her impressive form, as she previously clinched seven consecutive matches and the tournament in Strasbourg, France.
