The International Go Federation (IGF) have issued a decision for an anti-doping rule violation, which includes a two-month period of ineligibility against Sa Woo Kim from Korea for a violation of IGF Anti-Doping Rule Article 2.1 – Presence of a Prohibited Substance by an Athlete.
Further to being subject to doping control on 21 May 2025, Mr. Kim, an international level athlete, was found to have the Specified Substance Tramadol, a narcotic, in his system.
The athlete’s period of ineligibility will conclude on 15 July 2026. Until that time, the athlete is subject to a prohibition against participation pursuant to Article 10.4.1 of the IGF Anti-Doping Rules.
The ruling also affects the results of the 2025 World Amateur Go Championship in Vancouver, Canada, where Kim finished in third place. Kim’s third-place finish has been revoked, and all players who placed below him will move up one position in the final standings.