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India’s Tokyo Olympics bronze medal-winning wrestler, Bajrang Punia, on Wednesday, November 27 was handed four-year suspension by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) after violating the anti-doping code. According to several sources, the Indian wrestler refused to submit a sample for a doping test on March 10 during the national team selection trials, leading to NADA enforcing its decision to suspended Punia.
However, the decision now follows NADA’s initial suspension on April 23, along with the World Governing Body, UWW annoucing further suspension. Furthermore, the Indian wrestler will not be allowed to participate in competitive wrestling nor seek coaching opportunities overseas, if he wishes to do.
Bajrang Punia handed four-year suspension after anti-doping violations
Although the 30-year-old wrestler completed provisional suspension, the Anti-Disciplinary Doping Panel (ADDP) of NADA temporarily lifted it on May 31 until a formal notice of charges was issued on June 23. “In the present case, since the Athlete had been provisionally suspended, the Panel accordingly holds that the Athlete’s period of his ineligibility for the period of 4 years shall commence from the date on which the notification was sent, i.e., 23.04.2024,” the ADDP said in its order.
“The Panel holds that the Athlete is liable for sanctions under Article 10.3.1 and liable for eligibility for a period of 4 years. Needless to say that on account of the lifting of the provisional suspension for the period from 31.05.2024 to 21.06.2024 shall not be credited into the total period of ineligibility of four years,” the ADDP order further read.
Bajrang Punia, who has off late aligned himself with Congress party alongside recently-retired Olympian Vinesh Phogat, had filed challenge against the charges on July 11, following which the hearings took place on September 20 and October 4. Despite the process underway, the NADA has proved the Indian wrestler guilty of his disregard towards his duties and responsibilities. “The Athlete has demonstrated utter disregard towards his duties and responsibilities as per Articles 20.1 & 20.2 of the Anti Doping Rules, 2021,” NADA had said in its response.
