Dilshod Nazarov Suspension Case: the Olympic Champion will be represented by Jan Stovicek

Prague, 3 October 2019

PRESS RELEASE

Hammer thrower Dilshod Nazarov:

I’m not a cheat! I am the victim of a deception

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has provisionally suspended hammer thrower Dilshod

Nazarov, the Olympic champion of Rio 2016. The reason is a positive doping test after a repeat

test of a sample of 2011. The athlete was to have taken the steroid turinabol before the world

championships in Daegu. The Tajikistani track and field athlete is being represented by lawyer

Jan Šťovíček.

The case is now going before the Athletics Federation of Tajikistan. If the tribunal rules that

there are circumstances that allow no punishment to be imposed, the case will be returned to

the International Association of Athletics Federations. Nazarov can then appeal to the Court of

Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Dilshod Nazarov’s statement:

"They have banned me from representing my country. This has come as a shock to me.

Because I am not a cheat! Sport must be clean and an Olympian must set an example. He

needs to set the rules of fair conduct and not violate them. I follow this.

My priorities and values are straight as I know what is important. I am the father of three

children. I represent not just myself, but my country and the

principles of fair play. I am hurt by the idea that I would consciously

take drugs and I don’t need to. I am strong enough even without

prohibited substances.

I was shocked by the positive doping test. Just as my family, fans and compatriots. I have

become a victim of a deception. For a long time I could not understand what had happened that

someone is capable of such behaviour. After several weeks of an intensive search for the truth I

discovered that the substance was mixed into a drink by a person at a reception before the

world championships. He admitted it. I know his identity just as the AIU. He wanted to discredit

me before the elections of the president of the athletics association. This was a competitive

fight. Not in sport, but between officials. It is crazy, but true.

I am fully cooperating with the AIU and IAAF. I hope that the evidence I submit is

comprehensible and clear. I am the president of the Athletics Federation of Tajikistan which will

now consider the case. I want to rule out any doubts concerning conflict of interest. Therefore I

am prepared to defend myself before the IAAF and CAS if the case goes that far.

I don’t want to complain as life brings various challenges. I will fight. Truth is on my side. I have

nothing to hide."

Jan Štovíček’ statement:

"I have come to recognise Dilshod as a man of character. We will do everything to ensure that

his case is judged objectively, transparently and quickly. The AIU informed us that our

explanation is not adequate without giving any further details. Moreover, just before the world

championships in Doha – Dilshod was already getting ready to compete. We are providing full

cooperation and playing a fair game, but we expect the same approach from our colleagues

who are investigating the case."

For more information contact:

Jan Šťovíček, jan.stovicek@ksd.cz, +420 731 613 694.

25 Years at #1: Your best source of news about the Olympics is www.aroundtherings.com, for subscribers only