NOC comments on deprivation of Azerbaijani wrestler of Olympic medal

Baku. 18 November. REPORT.AZ/ The National Olympic Committee (NOC) has commented on the issue regarding deprivation of Azerbaijani Greco-Roman wrestler Vitaliy Rahimov of silver medal of the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics.

NOC Vice-President Chingiz Huseynzade told Report that the committee will send an official appeal to the Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation: "The federation will give an explanation regarding the athlete's failure to pass doping test. Then, we will adopt a relevant decision, however, International Olympic Committee decision came into effect immediately. But we have to learn the opinion of the federation. Today, Vitaliy Rahimov will met with NOC officials. So, the process is underway. The public will be informed after the results."

Notably, Vitaliy Rahimov competed at 60 kg weight category at the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics. Re-examination of his doping test revealed use of banned dehydrochloro-methyltestosterone (Turinabol). The wrestler, who already ended his career, must return the silver medal and a diploma, according to the IOC decision. The World Wrestling Association will identify an athlete to award the medal.