NADA Suspends Bajrang Punia for Four Years for Anti-Doping Violation

NADA Suspends Bajrang Punia- The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has imposed a four-year suspension on Olympic bronze medallist Bajrang Punia for violating anti-doping rules. The suspension stems from his refusal to provide a urine sample during national wrestling team trials on March 10, 2024. Despite appealing an earlier provisional suspension, the final ruling issued on November 27, 2024, bars him from competing or applying for international coaching roles.

Why Bajrang Punia Was Suspended?

Chronology of Events

• Initial Suspension: On April 23, 2024, NADA provisionally suspended Bajrang Punia for refusing to submit a urine sample for a doping test.
• Provisional Revocation: Following his appeal, NADA’s Anti-Disciplinary Doping Panel (ADDP) lifted the suspension temporarily on May 31, 2024, pending a formal charge notice.
• Charge Issued: NADA formally issued the charge notice on June 23, 2024, reinstating the suspension.
• Final Decision: After a series of hearings, NADA confirmed a four-year suspension starting April 23, 2024.

Bajrang Punia’s Defense

Key Arguments

1. Concerns About Expired Kits: Bajrang argued that his refusal was not deliberate but arose from concerns over expired doping kits. He had previously raised these concerns via email to NADA in December 2023, seeking clarification.
2. Past Mistrust: Bajrang cited previous instances where NADA’s alleged mishandling of doping controls created mistrust.
3. Advocacy for Accountability: He claimed his actions were aimed at holding NADA accountable for their protocols and ensuring fair treatment for athletes.

NADA’s Response

• NADA rejected Bajrang’s arguments, stating that his refusal violated Articles 20.1 and 20.2 of the Anti-Doping Rules (2021), which outline athlete responsibilities.
• The agency asserted that his actions were intentional and demonstrated a lack of compliance with anti-doping protocols.

Impact of the Suspension

1. Competitive Ban: Bajrang is barred from participating in any wrestling competitions for four years.
2. Coaching Restrictions: He cannot apply for coaching roles abroad during the suspension.
3. Reputation at Stake: As a senior athlete and role model, the decision significantly impacts Bajrang’s standing in the wrestling community.

Comparison of Key Events in the Case

Event	Date	Details
Refusal of Sample	March 10, 2024	Bajrang failed to provide a urine sample during national trials.
Initial Suspension	April 23, 2024	NADA provisionally suspended Bajrang.
Provisional Revocation	May 31, 2024	Suspension lifted pending further notice.
Charge Notice Issued	June 23, 2024	NADA formally charged Bajrang for violating anti-doping rules.
Final Suspension Decision	November 27, 2024	NADA imposed a four-year suspension starting retroactively from April 23, 2024.

NADA Suspends Bajrang Punia– Summary

• NADA has suspended Bajrang Punia for four years for failing to cooperate with doping tests.
• The suspension began retroactively from April 23, 2024.
• Bajrang argued his refusal was due to concerns about expired doping kits and past mistrust of NADA.
• NADA ruled that Bajrang’s actions violated anti-doping responsibilities and confirmed the penalty.

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