TEHRAN – Iranian rower Kia Skandani was banned for seven years after he was tested positive for the banned substance meldonium.

Meldonium is also known as mildronate, it increases exercise capacity in athletes.

He had also used clomifene, drostanolone propionate and metenolone in the domestic competition.

Skandani had won a bronze medal in the Men's double canoe competitions of the 2022 Asian Games.

He will be ineligible from 13 July 2024 until 14 July 2031 for competition and other sporting activities.

Furthermore, cross country runner Saber Charkhi has been banned for three years for testing positive for erythropoietin (EPO).

He will be ineligible from 21 Aug. 2024 until 21 Aug. 2027.