The ITA notifies weightlifter Batuhan Akbas of an apparent anti-doping rule violation
The International Testing Agency (ITA), leading an independent anti-doping program for the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), reports that it has notified Turkish weightlifter Batuhan Akbas of an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) for metandienone metabolite.
The ITA reports that a sample collected from Batuhan Akbas on 27 February 2026 during an out-of-competition anti-doping control has returned an AAF¹ for metandienone metabolite.
Metandienone is listed under the WADA Prohibited List as S1.1 Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS). It is classified as a non-specified substance and is prohibited at all times (in- and out-of-competition). Metandienone is a potent anabolic steroid which increases testosterone levels, causing muscle-mass growth, endurance and strength.
The athlete has been informed of the case and has the right to request the analysis of the B-sample.
If the B-sample analysis is requested and confirms the result of the A-sample, the case will be considered as a confirmed anti-doping rule violation. If the B-sample analysis is not requested, the case will also go ahead as a confirmed anti-doping rule violation. The athlete will have the opportunity to present his explanations for the result.
Further, in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Code and article 7.4.1 of the IWF anti-doping rules, a mandatory provisional suspension has been imposed on the athlete. The athlete has the right to challenge the provisional suspension and ask for its lifting.
Pursuant to the IWF’s delegation of its anti-doping program to the ITA, the prosecution of the case is being handled entirely by the ITA. Given that the case is underway, there will be no further comments made.
The original press release can be found here: https://ita.sport/news/the-ita-notifies-weightlifter-batuhan-akbas-of-an-apparent-anti-doping-rule-violation/
