Wrestler Bajrang Punia has found himself embroiled in a battle with the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). Following a suspension for alleged doping violations, Punia has come forward with serious allegations against NADA.
The Saga continues between Bajrang Punia and NADA
Bajrang Punia was initially suspended for refusing to provide his sample during the selection trials held in Sonepat on March 10. As a result, he lost the trials and missed out on the chance to qualify for the Paris Olympics.
Punia claims that NADA is unjustly targeting him. He believes that his suspension is retaliation for pointing out flaws in their system. According to him, NADA doesn’t want him to continue wrestling at any cost. They refuse to take responsibility for their mistakes and instead harass athletes to get rid of them.
Bajrang questions NADA about an expired kit they sent for sample collection in December 2023. He wants answers regarding why NADA used an expired kit and how an unregistered chaperone—not named in the mission order—approached and pressured him for sample collection.
The wrestler also highlights that he was pressured to collect samples between two matches, even when he had only 20 minutes to prepare for the next bout. These actions, according to Punia, demonstrate NADA’s disregard for athletes’ rights and well-being.
यह NADA द्वारा एक ही मामले में पहले निलंबन को निरस्त करने के बाद लगातार 2 महीनों में दूसरे निलंबन से संबंधित है। NADA ने उन्हें दिए गए सभी तथ्यों को स्पष्ट रूप से नजरअंदाज कर दिया और मुझे फिर से निलंबित कर दिया। यह दर्शाता है कि NADA मुझे कैसे निशाना बना रहा है, वे नहीं चाहते कि…
— Bajrang Punia 🇮🇳 (@BajrangPunia) July 1, 2024
Despite the challenges, Bajrang Punia remains resolute. He vows to challenge NADA’s actions and fight till the end. His lawyer will file a timely reply. Punia’s determination reflects his commitment to standing up for athletes’ rights, even in the face of arrogance from the anti-doping agency.
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