Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia, who won a bronze at the Tokyo Olympics, has been suspended for four years by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) due to his refusal to submit a sample during the national selection trials on March 10. The suspension, issued after NADA had barred him on April 23, has also been upheld by the United World Wrestling Federation (UWW), that will affect Bajrang's wrestling career and his future ambition of becoming a coach overseas.
Suspension Details
NADA clarified that the total ineligibility period would commence on April 23, 2024, which is when the notification was issued. However, it does not include between the dates of May 31, 2024 to June 21, 2024, considering provisional suspension was temporarily and briefly lifted.
The Anti-Disciplinary Doping Panel (ADDP) says, "The Athlete is liable for the following sanctions under Article 10.3.1 and ineligibility for a period of 4 years."
Bajrang Punia's Reaction
Bajrang Punia has accused of getting unfair treatment because of his protest against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. He claims that he did not refuse the dope test but asked NADA for clarification on the use of expired kits during the earlier test conducted in December 2023. "It was not an outright refusal per se. The athlete was always willing to provide his sample provided that he first received a response from NADA concerning the use of expired kits," Bajrang explained in his submission.
NADA further cited Bajrang's breach of his obligations under Articles 20.1 and 20.2 of the Anti-Doping Rules. It argued that the Doping Control Officer had given adequate notice to Bajrang regarding his need to submit a urine sample, which he failed to do. Bajrang contested the provisional suspension that led to its temporary revocation by the ADDP on 31 May. The formal notice of charge was issued on 23 June. Bajrang filed a written challenge on 11 July, with hearings in September and October.
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