The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has imposed an indefinite suspension on wrestler Bajrang Punia, potentially impacting his prospects for participation in the upcoming Paris Olympics. Sources indicate that Punia did not provide his urine sample during the selection trials in Sonepat on March 10, leading NADA to issue the suspension order, barring him from future events.
“With subject to paragraph 4:1:2 below and in accordance with article 7.4 of the NADR 2021, Bajrang Punia has been immediately provisionally suspended from participation in any competition or activity prior to the final decision reached at a hearing in this matter,” read an official release from NADA dated April 23.
Punia, alongside several other prominent wrestlers such as Olympians Sakshi Malik and Vinesh, was among those who accused former BJP MP and Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment. With his suspension amid these allegations, Punia, who secured a bronze medal for the country at the Tokyo Olympics, is expected to be ineligible for participation in the upcoming selection trials scheduled for later this month. As of now, no Indian athlete has secured an Olympic quota in the 65kg category.
Sujeet Kalkal has been designated to represent India at the World Qualifiers commencing in Istanbul on May 9. The suspension notice was directed to the now-disbanded ad hoc committee of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), rather than the federation acknowledged by United World Wrestling (UWW). Despite releasing a video a few months earlier alleging the expiration of dope-collecting kits, Punia disregarded the instructions of the dope control officer, citing unresolved concerns with NADA officials.
As per the report from the dope-collecting officer, Punia departed despite being informed that his refusal would lead to a warning for violating anti-doping regulations.
“Punia, surrounded by his supporters, continuously repeated his statement and immediately left the venue refusing to give a dope sample,” the DCO stated in his report.
Punia was required to provide a written explanation by May 7 for his refusal to furnish supporting documentation and a urine sample.
“If you do accept the consequences, the case will be resolved without further disciplinary proceedings, subject to the right of appeal. If you disagree, the matter will be referred for adjudication to the anti-doping disciplinary panel,” the letter stated.
