NADA suspends Bajrang Punia for four years for violation of anti-doping code
New Delhi: ThNew Delhi: The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) on Tuesday handed wrestler Bajrang Punia a four-year suspension for refusing to provide a sample during the national team selection trials on March 10. NADA had initially suspended the Tokyo Games bronze medallist on April 23, a move later followed by the World Wrestling Federation (UWW).
Punia appealed the provisional suspension, which was lifted temporarily on May 31 by NADA’s Anti-Disciplinary Doping Panel (ADDP). However, after hearings in September and October, the panel concluded that Punia deliberately refused to provide a sample and violated Anti-Doping Rules, confirming the four-year suspension effective from April 23, 2024.
Punia contended that his refusal was due to concerns over expired testing kits, but NADA maintained it was an intentional breach of rules, demonstrating a disregard for his responsibilities. This suspension also affects his eligibility to return to competitive wrestling or pursue coaching abroad during this period.agenciese National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) on Tuesday handed wrestler Bajrang Punia a four-year suspension for refusing to provide a sample during the national team selection trials on March 10. NADA had initially suspended the Tokyo Games bronze medallist on April 23, a move later followed by the World Wrestling Federation (UWW).
Punia appealed the provisional suspension, which was lifted temporarily on May 31 by NADA’s Anti-Disciplinary Doping Panel (ADDP). However, after hearings in September and October, the panel concluded that Punia deliberately refused to provide a sample and violated Anti-Doping Rules, confirming the four-year suspension effective from April 23, 2024.
Punia contended that his refusal was due to concerns over expired testing kits, but NADA maintained it was an intentional breach of rules, demonstrating a disregard for his responsibilities. This suspension also affects his eligibility to return to competitive wrestling or pursue coaching abroad during this period.
