Athlete Jabborov and coach Khushmurodov suspended for classification misconduct

Uzbekistan athlete and coach suspended for a period of four years following investigation conducted by World Para Athletics and NPC Uzbekistan 30 May 2023
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By World Para Athletics

World Para Athletics has suspended athlete Dilshodbek Jabborov (Sodikov) and coach Sanjar Khushmurodov for a period of four years for misconduct related to classification. 

An investigation conducted by World Para Athletics and the National Paralympic Committee (“NPC”) of Uzbekistan confirmed that Dilshodbek Jabborov had previously been licensed under the name of Dilshodbek Sodikov and considered not eligible to compete in Para athletics.  

The athlete and their coach subsequently attempted to re-register the athlete for international classification and to participate in World Para Athletics Recognised Competition as a new athlete under a different name. 

Background 

The athlete first presented for international classification at the Bahrain 2021 Asian Para Youth Games under the name Dilshodbek Sodikov and was allocated Sport Class Not Eligible (NE) by a World Para Athletics Classification Panel. A second Classification Panel designated the athlete Classification Not Completed (CNC).  

In October 2022, the athlete took part in a national competition in Tashkent, Uzbekistan under the name Jabborov. As a result of his performances he was selected to join the national team of Uzbekistan and was put forward for international classification at the Tunis 2023 World Para Athletics Grand Prix in February, without disclosing that he had previously been classified under a different name.  

Based on World Para Athletics’ concerns as to the athlete’s identity, the athlete was not permitted to proceed to international classification or compete in World Para Athletics Recognised Competitions. World Para Athletics provided NPC Uzbekistan with the relevant information and asked the NPC to confirm the athlete’s identity. In March, NPC Uzbekistan informed World Para Athletics that both athletes were in fact the same person.  

Consequences of the misconduct 

Upon being confronted by World Para Athletics, the athlete and coach admitted their misconduct and accepted the consequences proposed by World Para Athletics, namely: 

That the athlete is suspended from participating in World Para Athletics Recognised Competitions for four years from 24 March 2023 to 23 March 2027.  

That the coach is suspended from attending or having any other involvement in World Para Athletics Recognised Competitions for four years from 24 March 2023 to 23 March 2027.  

NPC Uzbekistan was also issued with a formal warning for not properly confirming the athlete’s identity and previous classification outcome prior to putting them forward for international classification, and agreed to take steps to ensure that such an incident does not occur again. 

Christian Holtz, Managing Director of World Para Sports, said: “I would like to thank World Para Athletics and its classification team for their efforts to investigate this case and protect the integrity of the sport. This was a serious incident of misconduct, but also a reminder of the importance of the strength of the classification system to ensure fair competition in Para athletics.”  

Further information - Reminders 

All athletes and athlete support personnel are reminded that they are personally responsible for being knowledgeable of and complying with all the terms of the World Para Athletics Classification Rules and Regulations and for participating in Athlete Evaluation in good faith.   

All National Paralympic Committees and National Federations participating in Para athletics are reminded of their responsibility to fully confirm each athlete’s identity and their potential eligibility for Para athletics prior to licensing and putting the athlete forward for international classification.