12 Turkish athletes handed doping bans: Rıza Kayaalp among them
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has announced that 12 Turkish athletes have been sanctioned for doping violations. The penalties reportedly cover athletes competing in weightlifting, boxing, and wrestling.
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According to WADA's statement, sanctions were imposed on 7 athletes in weightlifting, 3 in boxing, and 2 in wrestling. It was stated that weightlifters Fatih Baydar, Doğan Dönen, Gökhan Kılıç, Bünyamin Sezer, and Hatice Yılmaz were each given a 2-year ban from competitions. Pelinsu Bayav received a 3-year ban, while it was reported that the investigation into Batuhan Yüksel is ongoing.
In wrestling, Rıza Kayaalp was handed a 4-year ban from competitions, while Yakup Gör received a 2-year ban. In boxing, Şennur Demir and Kerem Özmen were each given 2-year bans, while it was announced that the investigation into Tuğrul Han Erdemir is ongoing. It was noted that Turkish athletes' participation in the European Championships could be blocked due to doping violations in the weightlifting branch.
WADA has been conducting strict inspections as part of its anti-doping efforts to ensure that athletes compete fairly. WADA stated that the athletes have the right to appeal the decision.