WADA Releases 2026 Prohibited List: What Sambo Athletes Need to Know

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has published the 2026 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods, which comes into effect on January 1, 2026. All SAMBO athletes and their support personnel should familiarize themselves with the updates to ensure full compliance with anti-doping regulations.

Link to 2026 Prohibited List and Related Documents

Key Changes for 2026

The new List includes several important modifications that SAMBO athletes should be aware of:

Enhanced Clarifications: Additional examples have been added to help athletes better identify prohibited substances in four key categories: anabolic agents, peptide hormones and growth factors, hormone and metabolic modulators, and stimulants.

Carbon Monoxide Added: The non-diagnostic use of carbon monoxide has been added as a new prohibited method. However, athletes can still use it for legitimate medical diagnostics such as hemoglobin mass measurements.

Salmeterol Dosing Changes: While the maximum daily dose remains unchanged, the dosing intervals for salmeterol have been adjusted to prevent potential performance-enhancing effects.

Cell Components: The prohibition now explicitly includes cell components such as mitochondria and ribosomes, in addition to the existing ban on modified cells.

Blood Withdrawal: More detailed guidelines have been provided regarding the prohibition of withdrawing blood and blood components.

What SAMBO Athletes Should Do

Athletes are ultimately responsible for any prohibited substances found in their system or prohibited methods used. We strongly encourage all sambo athletes to:

- Review the complete 2026 Prohibited List and Summary of Major Modifications

- Consult with your medical team about any medications or supplements you're taking

- Contact the International SAMBO Federation Anti-Doping Department, the International Testing Agency (ITA) or your National Anti-Doping Organization if you have questions about specific substances or methods

- Apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) if you have a legitimate medical need for a prohibited substance or method

The list is published on the official WADA website and on the official website of the International SAMBO Federation.

Link to 2026 Prohibited List and Related Documents

For all anti-doping questions in our sport, please contact the International SAMBO Federation Anti-Doping Department and/or the International Testing Agency.

For any questions related to Anti-Doping, please do not hesitate to contact us at anti-doping@sambo-fias.com & fias@ita.sport.