Doping scandal involving David Dimitrov after tournament success in Ulaanbaatar

Bulgarian wrestler David Dimitrov has tested positive for prohibited substances, the International Testing Agency announced. The sample was collected on June 4 during the prestigious ranking tournament in the Mongolian capital, Ulaanbaatar.

It was at this competition that Dimitrov achieved a significant success, securing first place in his category. In the decisive final, he defeated another Bulgarian competitor – Aik Mnatsakanian – with a score of 5:5 and an advantage based on criteria.

His achievement, however, has been overshadowed by revelations of prohibited stimulant use, which casts serious doubt on both the medal won and his future in the sport. According to official information from the International Testing Agency, metabolites of two different anabolic steroids were found in Dimitrov's sample – 19-norandrosterone and stanozolol.

Both substances are included in the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) list of strictly prohibited substances, and their use is banned both during competitions and in the training process. The agency specifies that stanozolol is a well-known doping agent, used as far back as the practices of the former GDR, which makes the case even more resonant.

During the tournament in Mongolia, the national wrestling team was led by Stefan Toshev. A curious detail is that just a week ago, the federation's management implemented changes in the coaching staff, with two-time world and European champion Andrei Dimitrov taking charge of the team.

Stefan Toshev was officially thanked "for his efforts, professionalism, and work with the national team." Nevertheless, the positive doping test of one of the competitors remains a serious stain on his tenure as head coach.