Pakistani Powerlifter Suspended for Two Years After Competing While Ineligible

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has announced that the Pakistani Powerlifter Naveed Ahmed Butt has been suspended for two years after participating in a competition whilst serving a period of ineligibility for an Anti-Doping Rule Violation.

Mr. Naveed was originally suspended for two years following an Anti-Doping Rule Violation on 4 September 2008. This was after he returned an adverse analytical finding for Methandione Metabolites, S1 Anabolic Agents. His period of ineligibility ended on 3 September 2010.

However, on 23 September 2010 the IPC received an application requesting for Mr. Naveed to participate at the 2010 Guangzhou Asia Para Games. This was supported by a first place gold medal result for the athlete from the Pakistan National Paralympic Games which were held between 12-15 November 2009 - all dates during his period of ineligibility.

As a result of the athlete competing whilst suspended from competition, and in-line with the IPC’s Anti-Doping Code, the athlete must now serve a further two year suspension from 12 November 2009, the date he took part in the Pakistan National Paralympic Games. This means he cannot compete in the forthcoming Asian Para Games.

All of the athlete’s results obtained subsequent to the violation have been disqualified.

Furthermore, the IPC has recommended that NPC Pakistan take the initiative to centralize information, ensure adequate anti-doping education training, and update its Chapters on anti-doping matters in general and on the status of athletes under sanction in particular.

As a signatory of the World Anti-Doping Code (WADC), the IPC remains committed to a doping free sporting environment at all levels.

The IPC, together with the International Federations and the National Paralympic Committees, established the IPC Anti-Doping Code (2004, revision in 2009) to prevent in the spirit of fair play, doping in sport for Paralympic athletes. The IPC Anti-Doping Code is in conformity with the general principles of the WADC.