Olympic bronze medalist wrestler Bajrang Punia has found himself in the spotlight once again, this time due to a notice of charge issued by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). The charge stems from Bajrang’s refusal to provide a urine sample during the trials held in Sonipat on March 10.
Bajrang Punia’s suspension
Earlier, Bajrang faced a suspension that was subsequently revoked by a disciplinary panel. The reason? He had not been issued a formal notice of charge. However, NADA has now rectified this and provisionally suspended him again.
According to NADA, Bajrang declined to give his urine sample during the trials. Despite repeated requests from the Doping Control Officer (DCO), he insisted on waiting for NADA’s response regarding the use of expired kits by the DCO during a previous sample collection. This refusal led to his suspension.
Bajrang’s lawyer, Vishuspath Singania, asserts that they have received the notice and will respond. He maintains that Bajrang has done nothing wrong and intends to fight the charges.
“Yes, we have received the notice and will certainly respond to it. Last time, we attended the hearing and this time we will file our reply. He hasn’t done anything wrong, so will fight,” said Bajrang’s lawyer. Bajrang has until July 11 to respond to the notice.
BREAKING NEWS 🚨 Bajrang Punia suspended by National Anti-Doping Agency once again for anti-doping rule violation.
He also did not qualify for Paris 2024 Olympics.
As per NADA, Bajrang had refused to give his sample for dope testing during the trails at Sonipat on March 10,… pic.twitter.com/uq58aLDhBS
— Times Algebra (@TimesAlgebraIND) June 23, 2024
NADA’s notice outlines the potential consequences if the anti-doping rule violations (ADRVs) are upheld: Disqualification of results during the event where the ADRV occurred, Forfeiture of any medals, points, and prizes, A period of ineligibility (up to 4 years) as per Article 10 of the National Anti-Doping Rules (NADR).
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