Bajrang Punia Nada Ban: NADA (National Anti-Doping Agency) has taken strict action against India’s star wrestler Bajrang Punia. NADA has imposed this ban due to violation of the Anti-Doping Code. Under this, Punia has now been banned for 4 years. In such a situation, it is believed that his career as a player is over.
Samples were not given for dope test
NADA suspended Bajrang Punia for four years for refusing to submit his sample for dope test on March 10 during trials to be selected for the national team. Earlier, world-class wrestling body UWW (United World Wrestling) was suspended after NADA suspended the Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist wrestler for a similar offense on April 23.
Bajrang’s appeal was rejected
Bajrang appealed against the suspension and it was quashed by NADA’s Disciplinary Doping Panel (ADDP) until the charge notice was issued by NADA on 31 May. After this, NADA issued a notice to the wrestler on 23 June.
Joined Congress, participated in protests
Notably, Bajrang Punia joined the Congress along with fellow wrestler Vinesh Phogat, where he was given the responsibility of All India Kisan Congress. He challenged the charges in writing on July 11. After this, hearings were held on 20 September and 4 October.
Now Bajrang Punia can’t even give coaching
With regard to Bajrang Punia, the ADDP said in its order that – The Panel is of the view that the athlete is liable to sanctions under Article 10.3.1 and is hereby declared ineligible for a period of 4 years. The ban means Bajrang will not be able to return to competitive wrestling and will not be able to apply for coaching jobs abroad if he wishes. The panel said that the 4-year ban on Bajrang will be effective from 23.04.2024.
I was banned because of Brij Bhushan: Bajrang
Bajrang has since said that he has been treated extremely biased and unfairly in relation to doping control due to his involvement in the protests against former WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Bajrang also said that he never refused to give the samples but had only sought a reply from NADA to his email in which he had sought an answer as to why an expired kit was sent to collect his samples in December 2023. Later NADA also explained the reason behind this. Explaining the process, he said that the chaperone/DCO contacted him appropriately and told him that he was required to provide urine sample for dope analysis.
