Africa-Press – Eswatini. WADA has released the list of prohibited substances ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games set for Paris, France next year.
Eswatini is among the countries that are under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The amendments to the list were made recently. The substances ban period will be effective from January 1, next year. Unlawful substances include the narcotic tramadol, which has been on the WADA monitoring programme for years. Tramadol is a strong pain medication used to treat moderate to severe pain that is not relieved by other types of pain medicines. It will be prohibited in the competition from the said date as approved by the Executive Committee on September 23, 2022.
significant
Monitoring data has indicated its significant use in sports, including cycling, rugby and football. Tramadol abuse, with its dose-dependent risks of physical dependence, opiate use disorder and overdoses in the general population, is of concern and has led to it being a controlled drug in many countries. Research studies funded by the agency have confirmed the potential for tramadol to enhance physical performance in sports. The recommended washout period will be communicated before the implementation of the newly-updated list date. Using tramadol in the competition, or close to competition, puts athletes at risk of a positive anti-doping test. It is recommended for runners, for example, to tell their medical professionals if they subjected them to drug testing. If they prescribe tramadol, ask if an alternative (and not prohibited) medication is possible. If one still needs to use tramadol, prepare a comprehensive medical file containing all their medical notes in case there is a need to apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) as per WADA official website. WADA has made other major amendments to the list of banned substances, which includes modifications to items that were already prohibited.
Meanwhile, Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (EOCGA) Marketing and Communications Officer Mkhulisi Dlamini confirmed that they received the list in September and said it was the duty of athletes to be updated on it. “It is the responsibility of each athlete to be acquainted with the banned substance, which is always effective from New Year’s Day. Being an athlete is a wholesome decision,” Dlamini said. In addition, Eswatini Athletes Commission and fastest man Sibusiso ‘Swazi Bolt’ Matsenjwa advised athletes to refrain from using substances that have the ability to enhance performance.
unlawful
“I believe no one is using unlawful substances but I urge sports people to stay away from taking something that will enhance any performance. The key to being successful in the industry is to eat well, train hard and recover,” Matsenjwa said. Worth noting is that Eswatini athlete Thandaza Zwane has just made a return to the field following a four-year ban after testing positive for an illegal substance. In a related incident from abroad, renowned footballer Paul Pogba, who is a midfielder for Italian giants Juventus, is subject to a sporting trial in Italy after failing a drug test in August, this year, which might result in a two-year suspension from football. After Juventus defeated Udinese earlier in the season, the Frenchman’s test came back positive, and his counteranalysis, which was handed in last month, also revealed that he had high testosterone levels.
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