Nigerian boxer suspended from Olympics for doping violation, Nigerian, Boxer suspended, Olympic Games in Paris, Doping, Olympic highlights, Cynthia Temitayo

Paris: Nigerian boxer Cynthia Temitayo Ogunsemilore has been suspended from the Paris Olympic Games for violating anti-doping rules, the International Testing Agency said.

A sample taken from the boxer “has shown a negative analytical result for the specified prohibited substance furosemide,” the ITA said in a statement on Saturday.

Furosemide is classified by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) as a “diuretic and masking agent,” the ITA added.

The sample was taken in Paris on Thursday, one day before the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, and reported by a WADA-accredited laboratory on Saturday.

“The athlete was informed about the case and provisionally suspended until the matter is resolved,” the agency said.

“This means that the athlete will not be allowed to compete, train, coach or participate in any other activities during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games,” the ITA said.

Ogunsemilore has the right to challenge her provisional suspension before an arbitration tribunal and can also request an analysis of the B sample.

The 22-year-old is a boxer in the under 60 kg class and was scheduled to make his debut at the Olympic Games on Monday.

Two other athletes have been suspended since the start of the Games.

The ITA announced on Friday that Iraqi judoka Sajjad Sehen tested positive for banned anabolic steroids.

Meanwhile, Dominican volleyball player Lisvel Eve Mejia was tested for furosemide. AFP