Boxer Henrik Sahakyan Banned for 3 Years

Henrik Sahakyan, the gold medalist of the 2023 Armenian Boxing Championship, has been banned. According to the Armenian Anti-Doping Agency, Sahakyan has been suspended from February 4, 2023, to February 4, 2026, inclusive. The decision can be appealed to the Sports Arbitration Court within 21 days of receiving the notification.

Previously, the Armenian Boxing Federation issued a statement noting that the 54 kg weight category boxer had not been included in the national team preparing for the World Championship due to a positive doping test result obtained by the anti-doping organization. The test sample from Henrik Sahakyan was taken following the Armenian championship. The anti-doping agency discovered stimulants in his system.

It is important to mention that before the doping test result was received, Henrik was part of the national team and participated in the Stranja Tournament in Bulgaria this year. According to regulations, the Armenian federation cannot include an athlete in the team during such an issue, as the entire team could be jeopardized. Meanwhile, we inform you that the Boxing Federation has been diligent in preserving the presumption of innocence for Henrik.

The boxer does not accept the decision of the Anti-Doping Agency.