Bajrang Punia NADA BAN: Olympic bronze medalist Bajrang Punia has been suspended by NADA for four years for refusing to take a dope test. This suspension has come into effect from April 23, 2024. Due to this, Bajrang will not be able to participate in any competitive wrestling nor will he be able to give coaching abroad.

New Delhi: Wrestler Bajrang Punia, who won a bronze medal for India at the Tokyo Olympics, has been suspended for four years by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). This is because he refused to give samples for doping test during the national team selection trials on March 10. NADA had earlier suspended Bajrang Punia for the same thing on April 23, after which the world governing body, UWW, also suspended him. This suspension means that he will not be allowed to participate in competitive wrestling nor will he be allowed to coach abroad.

Bajrang Punia had filed a challenge against the charges against him

Bajrang contested the initial provisional suspension, and on May 31, NADA's Disciplinary Doping Panel (ADDP) provisionally lifted the suspension until a formal notice was issued. On June 23, NADA formally informed him of the charges. In response, Bajrang, who had joined the Congress party along with fellow wrestler Vinesh Phogat, filed a challenge against the charges on July 11. Subsequently, hearings were held on September 20 and October 4.

What did the ADDP say about Bajrang in its order?

While giving its order, the ADDP said - Bajrang is liable for sanctions under Article 10.3.1, which has resulted in a ban on him for four years. Due to this, he will not be able to give coaching abroad as well. The order further said, 'In the present case, since the athlete was temporarily suspended, the panel believes that the athlete's period of ineligibility for 4 years will start from the date on which the notification was sent, i.e. 23.04.2024.'

PC:Times of India