Responding to claims Bajrang Punia was provisionally suspended by NADA, the Olympic bronze medallist clarified that he never refused to give his sample to the anti-doping agency and had just cited concerns over testing procedures and expired kits.
“I want to clarify the news about me being asked to take a dope test!!! I never refused to give my sample to NADA officials, I requested them to first answer me as to what action they took on the expired kit they brought to take my sample (earlier) and then take my dope test. My lawyer Vidush Singhania will reply to this letter in time,” Bajrang wrote on X.
Punia’s comments came in response to a media report saying Olympic bronze medallist Bajrang Punia was provisionally suspended by National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) due to a doping violation.
As per the reports, Punia allegedly refused to submit a urine sample during trials at the Sports Authority of India centre in Sonipat on March 10. According to a notice issued to Punia, he was immediately suspended from all competitions pending a final decision after a hearing.
The incident involving expired kits dates back to December, when NADA officials collected samples from Punia. In a video posted by Punia at the time, he alleged the use of expired kits during the process.
“This is a very important video for all of us to watch and ponder over. How can one trust the system if the process is not followed. How can one be sure that there is no manipulation in the entire process,’ Bajrang can be heard in the video.
Bajrang’s lawyer Vidushpat Singhania said, “We need to access the case file. We will be filing a reply to the NADA notice soon.”
Sanjay Singh, the president of WFI, said that the federation had not been furnished with a copy of the provisional suspension notification from NADA concerning Bajrang.