World Rowing Statement on the Men's Single Sculls Final A and Mixed Double Sculls Final A at Plovdiv

The World Rowing Executive Committee has issued a decision regarding the incident involving athletes Shakhboz Kholmurzaev (UZB) and Jamalbek Turgunov (UZB) at the 2026 World Rowing Cup II in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, on Sunday, 14 June 2026.

Shakhboz Kholmurzaev competed in both the Men’s Single Sculls and the Mixed Double Sculls events. He finished third in the Men’s Single Sculls Final A, earning the bronze medal. He did not attend the subsequent victory ceremony. Jamalbek Turgunov, who had not competed in that event, attended the ceremony in his place. Mr. Kholmurzaev later competed in the Mixed Double Sculls Final A the same day.

The victory ceremony is an essential component of World Rowing events, serving as the official recognition of sporting achievements. Athletes and crews awarded medals are required to attend the ceremony in person, unless an exceptional circumstance has been communicated to and approved by World Rowing in advance.

World Rowing became aware of this situation only after the victory ceremony had taken place. Consequently, the results of the Men’s Single Sculls Final A and the Mixed Double Sculls Final A were placed under review pending further investigation.

The Executive Committee reviewed information collected by World Rowing officials and considered evidence from three hearings conducted on 14 June 2026 with Shakhboz Kholmurzaev, Jamalbek Turgunov, and Vyacheslav Didrh, Head Coach and Team Manager of the Uzbekistan Rowing Federation.

These actions undermined the integrity of the victory ceremony and the proper recognition of the athletes’ achievements. They also created avoidable disruption to live broadcast operations and media presentations, and demonstrated insufficient respect toward other medallists, participating teams, organisers, and the sport.

After considering all circumstances, the World Rowing Executive Committee reached the following decisions:

• No individual sanctions will be imposed on the athletes.
• The results of the Men’s Single Sculls Final A and the Mixed Double Sculls Final A are confirmed as official and will remain unchanged.
• The Uzbekistan Rowing Federation is formally sanctioned for the failures identified above.
• The Uzbekistan Rowing Federation must submit a corrective action plan to World Rowing by 30 June 2026.
• The Uzbekistan Rowing Federation is required to pay a financial sanction of CHF 5,000.

The Executive Committee acknowledges the constructive cooperation of the athletes and team officials during the hearings. Their participation and cooperation enabled World Rowing to establish the facts and reach a proportionate decision.