Bajrang Punia NADA Ban: The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has suspended Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist wrestler Bajrang Punia for four years for refusing to provide a dope test sample during the national team selection trials on March 10, 2024. This suspension effectively ends Bajrang’s career in competitive wrestling and limits his opportunities to pursue a coaching role internationally.

Timeline of Events

  • March 10, 2024: Bajrang declined to provide a urine sample for dope testing during the selection trials.
  • April 23, 2024: NADA imposed a provisional suspension, which was later mirrored by the United World Wrestling (UWW), the sport’s global governing body.
  • May 31, 2024: NADA’s Anti-Disciplinary Doping Panel (ADDP) temporarily revoked the suspension until NADA issued a formal notice of charge.
  • June 23, 2024: NADA issued the notice of charge to Bajrang.
  • September 20 and October 4, 2024: Hearings were held before the ADDP, culminating in the final order on the suspension.

The ADDP concluded that Bajrang’s refusal to submit the sample was a violation under Article 10.3.1 of the Anti-Doping Rules, resulting in a four-year ineligibility period effective from April 23, 2024.

Bajrang’s Defense

Bajrang Punia has consistently claimed that his refusal was not deliberate but stemmed from mistrust in NADA due to past experiences. He cited two instances in which NADA allegedly used expired kits for sample collection, including an incident in December 2023.

He stated: “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 argued that the absence of accountability from NADA had led to mistrust, compelling him to take a stand as a senior athlete.

NADA’s Justification

NADA dismissed Bajrang’s claims, asserting that the refusal to provide a sample was intentional and deliberate. The agency emphasised: “The outright refusal by the athlete to provide a urine sample for the dope test was intentional and deliberate. The athlete has demonstrated utter disregard towards his duties and responsibilities as per Articles 20.1 & 20.2 of the Anti-Doping Rules, 2021.”

Impact of the Suspension

The four-year ban means Bajrang cannot participate in competitive wrestling until 2028, effectively marking the end of his illustrious career. Furthermore, the suspension also disqualifies him from pursuing a coaching career abroad during this period.

Bajrang’s Political Stance

Complicating matters, Bajrang’s suspension comes amidst his recent political engagement. He joined the Congress Party, where he was given a leadership role in the All India Kisan Congress. Bajrang has alleged that his suspension is linked to his activism, including his protests against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.