India’s bronze medallist Olympic wrestler Bajrang Punia has been suspended for four years by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). The suspension was issued because Bajrang refused to submit a sample for a doping test during national team selection trials on March 10.
Bajrang’s suspension means he cannot participate in wrestling competitions or seek coaching opportunities abroad for the next four years. Meanwhile, Bajrang continues to argue that he only hesitated because of concerns about expired testing kits, but NADA sees his actions as a clear refusal to cooperate.
Initial suspension and appeal
Bajrang was first suspended by NADA on April 23, and this was followed by another suspension by the World Governing Body, UWW. On May 31, NADA’s Anti-Disciplinary Doping Panel temporarily lifted the suspension, but Bajrang was formally charged on June 23. Bajrang, who had joined the Congress party and took up a leadership role in the All India Kisan Congress, challenged these charges on July 11, leading to hearings on September 20 and October 4.
Final decision from the panel
The Anti-Disciplinary Doping Panel found Bajrang guilty under Article 10.3.1, resulting in a four-year ban from competitive wrestling. This suspension starts from April 23, 2024, but the temporary lift of the suspension from May 31 to June 21, 2024, will not be counted in the total ineligibility period.
Bajrang believes that it’s unfair
Bajrang claims that the doping control process was unfair due to his protests against the former Wrestling Federation of India President. He argued that he did not refuse to provide a sample but asked NADA for clarification regarding expired testing kits used for his samples in December 2023.
NADA maintains that their officer properly approached Bajrang and explained the need for a urine sample. Despite Bajrang’s claims of mistrust, NADA stated that his refusal to comply was deliberate, accusing him of ignoring his responsibilities outlined in the Anti-Doping Rules.
