World Judo Champion Matvey Kanikovsky Suspended Following Positive Doping Test

Matvey Kanikovsky's Suspension

According to Главком: Russian judoka Matvey Kanikovsky, the 24-year-old reigning world champion in the under 100 kg category, has been provisionally suspended from competition due to a suspected anti-doping rule violation. The suspension follows a test on March 15, 2026, which detected the presence of the prohibited substance LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) and its metabolite in his sample. This constitutes a potential violation of Articles 2.1 and 2.2 of the World Anti-Doping Code. As of April 10, 2026, Kanikovsky has been removed from the International Judo Federation's world ranking and the entry list for the European Championships. An investigation into the case is ongoing. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of doping enforcement in international sports.

Support for War and Public Backlash

Last year, Matvey Kanikovsky was named among Russia's top ten athletes by the Federation of Sports Journalists. In a separate but related context, Russian gymnast Ilteriakova has publicly expressed support for the war against Ukraine through her social media activity. She has liked posts featuring Vladimir Putin and Russian military personnel, and followed the account of Nikita Nagorny, who is under sanctions from Ukraine, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union for supporting Russian aggression.

Furthermore, Ilteriakova has followed the account of Russian propagandist Shaman, who is also sanctioned by Canada, the EU, and Ukraine for his pro-war stance, liking his posts. She also subscribed to a fan page for Alina Kabaeva, who faces sanctions from Canada, the UK, the EU, the US, and Ukraine for backing Russian aggression. The overt political stances of these athletes, aligning with a regime engaged in international conflict, have provoked significant public dismay and criticism.

The provisional suspension of Matvey Kanikovsky for a doping violation underscores the complex issues facing Russian athletics, which operates under international scrutiny and isolation due to the nation's military actions. Ilteriakova's active demonstration of support for the Russian regime has similarly raised concerns within the athletic community and the wider public.

The investigation into Kanikovsky's case continues, and its outcome could have a substantial impact on the athlete's career and the broader perception of the Russian sports environment.

The recent suspension of Matvey Kanikovsky underscores the broader issues surrounding doping in sports, a concern that resonates with other nations, including Ukraine. In a notable move, the Ukrainian water polo team recently forfeited a crucial match in protest against the Russian team, highlighting the ongoing tensions and political statements made by athletes in the face of international conflict. To explore this significant act of defiance, read more about the implications of Ukraine's decision here.