Wrestler Bajrang Punia Suspended By National Anti Doping Body

The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has suspended Olympic bronze medallist Bajrang Punia after he failed to provide a urine sample during the trials held in Sonipat on March 10, the IANS reported citing sources.

"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.

As per the report from the dope-collecting officer, despite being warned that refusal could lead to a violation of anti-doping regulations, Punia left the venue after reiterating his stance without providing a urine sample.

He was then asked to provide a written explanation by May 7 over his decision to decline the submission of required documentation and a urine sample.

This suspension could endanger his chances of competing in the upcoming Paris Olympics, slated to take place later this year.

It has to be noted that Punia, along with several other prominent wrestlers, including Olympians Sakshi Malik and Vinesh, had accused former BJP MP and Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment.

After his suspension, Punia, who secured a bronze medal for the country at the Tokyo Olympics, is likely to be prohibited from participating in the upcoming selection trials scheduled for later this month. Notably, no Indian athlete has secured an Olympic quota in the 65kg category yet.

Sujeet Kalkal has been designated to represent India at the World Qualifiers, which are slated to commence in Istanbul on May 9.

It's worth mentioning that the suspension notice was directed to the now-disbanded ad hoc committee of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), rather than the recognized federation by United World Wrestling (UWW).

"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.