North Korean wrestler suspended over suspected doping | NK News
NK News Logo
November 06, 2026Nov 06, 2026

Weapon Directory

News

North Korean wrestler suspended over suspected doping

The provisional penalty comes amid Pyongyang’s efforts to improve its image following past doping scandals

A North Korean wrestler has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for a banned substance, a month after he was suddenly removed from the 2026 Asian Games without explanation.

In a press release Tuesday, the International Testing Agency (ITA) said it notified Ro Yu Chol of an “adverse analytical finding” after finding traces of furosemide while conducting out-of-competition testing in March 2025.

Furosemide is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency as an “S5” substance, a classification for diuretics and masking agents.

As a diuretic that aids in quick elimination of water and sodium, furosemide is sometimes misused in sports such

Have follow-up questions? Ask NK PRO's Intelligence Suite to learn more.
What is North Korea's recent history with doping violations in international sports and how has Pyongyang responded?
This question is generated by AI and could contain mistakes.