After NADA’s provisional ban on wrestler Bajrang Punia, the UWW has no suspended him for refusing to undergo a dope test. That is no surprising development though. What really is noteworthy is the fact that, despite a provisional ban on Bajrang, the Sports Authority of India has sanctioned INR 9 lakh for his training abroad.
Bajrang Punia Suspended on April 23
The suspension for the Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Bajrang had come on April 23, after being given a whereabouts failure notice on April 18. On the flipside, Bajrang had accused the officials of sending the sample collectors with expired kits. In an April 25 meeting, the Mission Olympic Cell sanctioned 8,82,000 for Bajrang to and train at Dagestan, Russia from May 28.
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The plan had also incorporated strength and conditioning coach Kaazi Kiron Mustafa Hasan sparring partner Jitender. Even Bajrang expressed surprised as to how the trip was approved. “I am also surprised that SAI cleared it. I have actually cancelled my plan, I am not going anywhere for training now,” Bajrang said.
Neither Sandip Pradhan, the SAI Director General, nor Col. Rakesh Yadav, joint CEO TOPS were available for an explanation.
Bajrang Punia Can Still Qualify for Paris 2024 Olympics
Despite the suspension/ban, Bajrang can still go to the Olympics, but the path is rather twisted. India’s 65kg representation at the World Wrestling Qualifier Sujeet Kalkal will have to secure the berth first. Then if the WFI decides to hold a selection trial for the category, that is when Bajrang stands a real chance. It goes without saying that for all that to happen, first the NADA and UWW ban will have to lifted. And he would also have to win the trails.
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