Muyabia Labony; DHAKA – In a shocking blow to Bangladesh’s sporting arena, star weightlifter Mabia Akter has been banned for two years after testing positive for prohibited substances.
The two-time SA Games gold medalist, widely regarded as a symbol of resilience in local sports, now faces a dark chapter in her illustrious career.
The Incident
The issue dates back to October 29 last year, when samples were collected from Mabia at the Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) building ahead of the Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh.
The test results revealed the presence of Furosemide and Canrenone—substances typically used as diuretics to flush water from the body, which are strictly banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Based on a report from the South Asia Regional Anti-Doping Organization (SARADO), WADA officially issued the two-year suspension notice last Thursday.
Mabia’s Defense: “I Followed Doctor’s Orders”
Heartbroken by the decision, Mabia maintains her innocence, claiming the substances were part of medical treatment for injuries rather than performance enhancement.
“I was taking medication for knee pain and allergies,” Mabia told the media. “The BOA always instructs us not to take anything without a doctor’s prescription, and I followed that strictly. I didn’t take anything in secret; I have all the prescriptions to prove it.”
She further expressed frustration over the lack of specific guidance: “We were told to keep prescriptions, but never given a list of specific prohibited medicines. How was I to know which standard medications contained banned substances? Now, despite having proof of medical advice, I am being punished.”
A Legacy Under Cloud
Since her national team debut in 2012, Mabia has secured five international gold medals, including back-to-back golds in the 2016 and 2019 SA Games. While this ban marks a significant stain on her career, Mabia is not giving up. She is currently preparing to appeal the decision within the 14-day window.