Semen Yelistratov is involved in new anti-doping scandal

UFA, 9 March 2016. /Bashinform News Agency, Dmitry Slezin/. The alumnus of Bashkir sports, the Olympic champion in short track Semen Yelistratov is involved in an anti-doping scandal.

He is included in the list of the Russian athletes suspended for using a banned drug - meldonium. Also the five-time world champion in speed skating Pavel Kulizhnikov, volleyball player Alexander Markin, skater Ekaterina Bobrova, bicycle racer Eduard Varganov and Russian tennis prima Maria Sharapova are in the list.

According to the Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko, we can expect new cases of disqualification of Russian athletes for the use of meldonium, although they will not be massive, and some sports federations of Russia will be subject to punishment. As a result of the incident an emergency meeting will be held in the State Duma on March 10.

Since 2012 by the Order of the Government of the Russian Federation meldonium was included in the list of vital and essential medicines.

On January 1, 2016 meldonium was added to the list of prohibited substances by the World Anti-Doping Agency. It is a prohibited substance during competition and out of competition periods and is classified as "hormones and modulators of metabolism". The disqualification term of an athlete for the use of the substance may reach four years.