Russian heavyweight Nikolai Panayotidi is disqualified for four years for using dope.

The press service of the International Weightlifting Federation.

The removal of the athlete began on November 24, 2017, so only in the fall of 2021 Panayotidi will be able to return to the competition. "Four years is the standard period of disqualification in this case, it is not excessive. The investigation has already passed, the athlete was given the opportunity to give explanations, but they were not, therefore the international federation adopted such a decision, "commented the head of the Anti-Doping Commission of the Russian Weightlifting Federation, Alexander Petrov.

Note that in 2016 Panayotidi in the weight category up to 94 kg won a bronze medal at the Junior European Championships.