Bajrang Punia suspended yet again  by NADA for four years

By
Teja Devathoti
-
2
Bajrang Punia

Bajrang Punia, the celebrated Indian wrestler and Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist has been handed a four-year suspension by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) for refusing to provide a urine sample during a doping test on March 10, 2024.

NADA’s decision stems from Punia’s refusal to comply with the doping test during the national team selection trials. He cited concerns about the use of expired testing kits by NADA as the reason for his refusal. However, NADA maintained that his refusal was deliberate and intentional.

Timeline of Bajrang Punia’s row with NADA

  1. March 10, 2024: Punia allegedly refused to provide a urine sample during the doping test.
  2. April 23, 2024: NADA provisionally suspended Punia.
  3. May 31, 2024: The provisional suspension was temporarily lifted pending formal charges.
  4. June 23, 2024: NADA served formal charges against Punia.
  5. July 11, 2024: Punia contested the charges.
  6. September 20 and October 4, 2024: Hearings were conducted by NADA’s Anti-Disciplinary Doping Panel (ADDP).
  7. November 27, 2024: The ADDP ruled that Punia was liable for sanctions under Article 10.3.1 of the Anti-Doping Rules, resulting in a four-year ban effective from April 23, 2024.

The four-year ban prohibits Punia from competing in wrestling and pursuing coaching opportunities abroad. He has also been suspended by the World Governing Body, United World Wrestling (UWW), which impacts his chances of participating in international competitions.

Punia has consistently maintained that he never outright refused to provide a sample but sought clarification from NADA regarding the use of expired kits. He has also alleged that his suspension is a result of political conspiracy due to his involvement in protests against the former Wrestling Federation of India President, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

NADA officials have reiterated their commitment to maintaining strict anti-doping regulations and emphasized that Punia’s refusal was deliberate. They have also stated that the suspension period will not include the time when the provisional suspension was lifted.

Also Read: D Gukesh draws with Ding Liren in the second game of the World Chess Championship 2024

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR