New Delhi: Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia has been handed a four-year ban by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) for violating anti-doping regulations. The decision follows Punia’s refusal to provide a urine sample during a selection trial for the national wrestling team in March 2024.
Initially, NADA imposed a provisional suspension on Punia, which was later lifted by the Anti-Disciplinary Doping Panel (ADDP) in May after Punia appealed the decision. However, following two hearings in September and October, the ADDP decided to impose a four-year ban, effective from April 23, 2024.
Punia explained that his refusal to provide the sample stemmed from a lack of trust in the NADA process. He clarified that he was not outright refusing but wanted clarity on the use of expired testing kits before submitting his sample. “The athlete was always willing to provide his sample provided that he first received a response from NADA concerning the use of expired kits,” Punia stated in an interview with India Today.
The Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist also expressed concerns about being unfairly treated, linking the issue to his active role in protests against former Wrestling Federation of India president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has faced allegations of sexual harassment. Additionally, Punia had joined the Congress party ahead of the 2024 Haryana Assembly elections.
Punia’s ban will have significant implications for his career, as he is one of India’s most prominent wrestlers on the international stage.
