BAJRANG PUNIA PROVISIONALLY SUSPENDED FOR MISSING DOPE TEST: REPORT

Wrestler Bajrang Punia has reportedly been provisionally suspended by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) for failing to submit a urine sample during selection trials in Sonepat on 10 March. The decision threatens to end Punia's bid to qualify for the Paris Olympics in July.

“With subject to paragraph 4:1:2 below and in accordance with article 7.4 of the NADR 2021, you are immediately provisionally suspended from participation in any competition or activity prior to the final decision reached at a hearing in this matter,” NADA said in its communication dated 23 April, as per The Tribune.

If the charges stick, Punia, who won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, will be barred from selection trials scheduled for next month. As of now, no Indian wrestler has won a quota place in the 65kg weight category. Sujeet Kalkal is slated to represent India at the World Qualifiers in Istanbul from 9 May.

Interestingly, Punia had shared a video alleging expired dope collection kits a couple of months ago. He then refused to comply with the dope control officer’s order, arguing that NADA officials were yet to respond to his concerns. The dope collector officer’s report states the wrestler was notified that refusal would lead to a notice for anti-doping rule violations.

“Punia, surrounded by his supporters, continuously repeated his statement and immediately left the venue refusing to give dope sample,” the DCO’s report allegedly said.

The 30-year-old wrestler has time until 7 May to provide a written explanation for refusing to provide his urine sample. “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 also said.

Interestingly, the suspension letter was sent to the now defunct ad-hoc committee of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), instead of the federation that has now been recognised by the United World Wrestling (UWW).

2024-05-05T06:51:55Z dg43tfdfdgfd