FOR PURE SPORT

This year, Azerbaijan played host to and successfully hosted a series of sporting events. Among these events were the Azerbaijan Open alpine skiing tournament, the European Ski Mountaineering Championships, World Cup stages in trampolining, artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, the AGF Trophy tournament, the Baku-Khankendi cycling race, and the World Wrestling Championships for athletes under 17. Simultaneously, the National Anti-Doping Agency of Azerbaijan (AMADA) also conducted doping control procedures within the framework of the competitions that were taking place.

Five best performers

It is understood that AMADA's testing activities are based on a risk-oriented approach. It should be noted that the distribution of tests does not adhere to a uniform standard across all sports and athletes. Potential doping risks are assessed first, after which it is determined in which sports, among which categories of athletes and in which periods it is advisable to conduct testing more intensively.

When assessing risks, the specific characteristics of a particular sport, the degree of potential advantage that doping use may provide, previous anti-doping rule violations, the level of competitions, available information and other relevant factors are taken into account. Following a thorough evaluation, a Testing Distribution Plan is formulated, with a focus on areas that present a higher level of risk.

It is important to note that identifying a specific sport as a priority for testing does not necessarily indicate the presence of doping cases within it. The primary objective of the risk-oriented approach is to optimise the use of available resources to prevent doping, detect violations and protect the principles of clean sport.

As of September 2026, AMADA reported the imposition of sanctions on five athletes for anti-doping rule violations. In particular, kickboxer Baba Abbaszade was disqualified for 24 months, karateka Lala Babazade, weightlifter Fazila Imanova and shooter Rena Askerova for 36 months, and wrestler Sabir Jafarov for 48 months.

Prohibited substances, including furosemide, metribolone, trimetazidine and boldenone, were detected in the samples of these athletes. Information regarding the imposition of sanctions on several more athletes is expected in the near future.

According to the regulations, two samples are taken from the person being tested – A and B. If the analysis of sample A returns a positive result, the athlete has the right to demand that sample B be taken for confirmation. However, during the year, no one took advantage of this right, which indicates that there was no need for a repeat analysis.

New rules on the way

In an interview with Region Plus, Sahavat Guliyev, the press secretary of the anti-doping agency, stated that no sanctions for anti-doping rule violations were applied to foreign athletes.

The AMADA representative also noted that different types and terms of punishment are imposed for different violations: "When sanctions are applied to an athlete for an anti-doping rule violation, account is taken not only of the fact that a prohibited substance was found in the sample, but also of the nature of the violation and all the circumstances of the specific case as a whole. Consideration is given to the type of violation, the athlete's age, whether the violation occurred during or out of competition, whether it was intentional, the type and amount of the prohibited substance, the presence or absence of previous anti-doping rule violations, and other legally relevant circumstances."

According to him, the primary objective of the agency's operations is not only to detect violations but also to raise athletes' awareness of anti-doping regulations, implement preventive measures and ensure the effective functioning of the anti-doping system in accordance with international standards: "Protecting the principles of clean sport remains the main priority at all stages of this process."

AMADA has confirmed that the new rules, which are set to come into effect in Azerbaijan on 1 January 2027, are fully aligned with the new World Anti-Doping Code. Azerbaijan, in conjunction with Ireland, has become one of the first countries in Europe to prepare and agree to these advanced rules with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

The main changes and innovations provided for by the new rules are as follows:

Possibility of reducing the terms of sanctions and disqualification. If an athlete can prove how a prohibited substance entered his body and establish that this was not connected with an intention to improve sporting results, a milder sanction will be applied to him compared with that provided for by the previous rules. For those who admit an anti-doping rule violation, the disqualification period may be reduced to 25%.

Relaxations for persons cooperating with the investigation. Persons who cooperate effectively with AMADA in uncovering anti-doping violations or crimes in sport may expect a reduction of the imposed punishment by up to 75%.

Introduction of financial penalties. One of the most significant structural changes is that for an anti-doping rule violation, not only suspension from sporting activity (disqualification) but also financial sanctions in the form of fines may now be applied.

Tightening of the duties of sports federations. The responsibility of national sports federations in the fight against doping is being increased. Various types of sanctions are provided for local federations that do not comply with anti-doping rules and control mechanisms or do not ensure close cooperation with AMADA.

New standards for therapeutic use. In accordance with the WADA international standard, the criteria have been specified for athletes who, for health reasons, need to take certain medicinal preparations.

Let us recall that doping is the use of prohibited substances or medical methods for the purpose of artificially enhancing an athlete's physical or mental performance.