Pakistani powerlifter Naveed Ahmed Butt became the first Paralympic athlete to test positive for a banned substance.

The 37-year old tested positive for steroid use on last Thursday, two days before the opening ceremony.

Butt, who was scheduled to compete in the men's 100-kg event next week instead received a two-year ban.

According to Australia Network, a total of 297 drug tests have been carried out in the Paralympics. Organizers planned to conduct more than 1,000 doping tests both in and out of competition.

At the Athens Games, 680 doping tests were carried out. Ten anti-doping rule violations were found.