TEHRAN – Iranian super heavyweight weightlifter Behdad Salimi hit out at those insulting Aleksey Lovchev for failing a doping test.

Lovchev has faced a wrath of insults on his official Instagram page.
The Russian weightlifter has been suspended following a positive test for the banned substance Ipamorelin in his 'A' sample
However, the negative comments were outweighed by London 2012 Olympic Games gold medalist Behdad Salimi.
“I became sad after Aleksey failed a doping test because I believe that he is a good weightlifter. His absence will have a noticeable impact on the competition however I know that as well the records of the super heavyweight remained in the hands of Iranians,” Salimi told ISNA.
With nine months before the 2016 Olympic Games, Salimi has had surgery to repair the torn ACL in his left knee.
“I will do my best to be ready for Olympics. I am satisfied with my healing process,” he stated.