The Commonwealth Games Federation Anti-Doping and Medical Commission has confirmed that the sample of Shakul Samed, a boxer from Ghana, violated anti-doping rules for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Samed has the unfortunate honour of becoming the first athlete at this year’s Games to fail a doping test.

His Sample ‘A’ was found to contain a prohibited substance (diuretic and masking agent – furosemide). He has therefore been suspended with immediate effect. He and the Ghana Commonwealth Games Association have been informed.

He will now have the opportunity to provide further information, including requesting analysis of his B sample, before any charge is issued.

Shakul had been been billed to fight Jean Luc Rosalba of Mauritius in the Light Heavyweight — but he is now suspended for suspected doping.

In a statement, the Commonwealth Games Federation says it has “a zero tolerance policy to doping in sport”, adding that they “seek to maintain the integrity of the Commonwealth Games by running a comprehensive anti-doping programme that focuses equally on education, prevention and testing.”