Bajrang Punia, an Olympic medalist and one of India’s most successful wrestlers, has been suspended by the United World Wrestling (UWW) until the end of 2024. This suspension comes in the wake of a provisional suspension handed to him by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) for refusing to undergo a dope test.
Bajrang Punia’s suspension
Punia, who won the bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, was served a whereabouts failure notice by NADA on April 18, 2024, and was subsequently suspended on April 23. In his defence, Punia stated that he did not refuse to give his sample for testing but merely asked the Dope Control Officer to explain the presence of expired kits which were brought to take his sample.
The suspension by UWW has dealt a significant blow to Punia’s hopes of participating in the Paris Olympics. Despite being aware of NADA’s order, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) sanctioned close to Rs 9 lakh for his training abroad. However, Punia has cancelled his training plans.
The suspension of Punia has raised several questions about the handling of the situation. The decision of SAI to sanction funds for Punia’s training abroad, despite being aware of NADA’s order, has come under scrutiny. Neither Sandip Pradhan, the SAI Director General, nor Col. Rakesh Yadav, joint CEO of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), responded to calls or messages for an explanation for the decision to sanction his training.
🤼🚨 𝗛𝗨𝗚𝗘 𝗕𝗟𝗢𝗪! Bajrang Punia is temporarily suspended till the end of 2024 by the National Anti-Doping Agency for refusing to undergo a dope test.
🙂 Also, this suspension doesn't allow him to participate in the #Paris2024 Olympics.
➡️ Bajrang Punia admitted that he… pic.twitter.com/5ZXFknyA7v
— India at Paris 2024 Olympics (@sportwalkmedia) May 9, 2024
Punia’s suspension until the end of 2024 means that he will miss out on several important tournaments, including the Paris Olympics. This is a significant setback for Indian wrestling, as Punia is one of the country’s most successful and popular wrestlers. His aggressive style and never-say-die attitude have won him fans all over the country, and his absence from the wrestling mat will be deeply felt.
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