The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has handed wrestler Bajrang Punia a four-year suspension. This follows his refusal to provide a sample during the national team selection trials on March 10. Earlier, NADA had suspended Bajrang on April 23. The global governing body, United World Wrestling (UWW), also imposed sanctions on him.
Provisional Suspension Lifted, But Full Suspension Imposed
Initially, NADA’s Anti-Disciplinary Doping Panel (ADDP) lifted Bajrang’s provisional suspension on May 31. However, the full suspension was later reinstated. The Panel ruled that his four-year suspension would begin from April 23, 2024. It also noted that the period from May 31 to June 21 would not count toward the suspension.
Bajrang Challenges the Suspension
Bajrang, who recently joined Congress and became leader of the All India Kisan Congress, contested the charges. He submitted his challenge on July 11 and attended hearings in September and October. Ultimately, the Panel found him guilty under Article 10.3.1 of the Anti-Doping Rules. The Panel confirmed the four-year ban.
Bajrang’s Defense: Discriminatory Treatment
Bajrang argued that he faced unfair treatment during doping procedures. He believed this was due to his involvement in protests against former Wrestling Federation of India president, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. He clarified that he did not outright refuse the test. Instead, he asked NADA for clarification about expired testing kits used in December 2023.
“It was not an outright refusal per se. The athlete was always willing to provide his sample provided that he first received a response from NADA concerning the use of expired kits,” Bajrang explained.
NADA Defends Its Actions
NADA responded by stating that its Chaperone/Doping Control Officer (DCO) had properly informed Bajrang about the need for a sample. NADA accused Bajrang Punia of neglecting his responsibilities under the Anti-Doping Rules.
“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 said.