Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia has encountered a setback as he faces provisional suspension by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), dealing a blow to his aspirations for the Paris Olympics.
The suspension stems from Bajrang’s refusal to provide a sample for a doping test during the selection trial conducted in Sonepat on March 10, as per NADA’s assertion.
Reports suggest that unless Bajrang’s suspension is lifted promptly, he risks exclusion from all competitions, including the upcoming selection trial next month. Bajrang, who clinched a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, remains pivotal in the 65kg category, where no Indian has secured an Olympic quota yet. As a result, Sujit Kalkal will represent India in the World Qualifiers scheduled in Istanbul from May 9 onwards.
During the trial in Sonepat, Bajrang declined to provide a urine sample initially, prompting NADA to intervene and request the sample. Subsequently, WADA was informed by NADA, leading to WADA issuing a notice to Bajrang seeking clarification on his refusal to undergo testing. NADA subsequently issued a notice to Bajrang on April 23, requiring him to respond by May 7. Unfortunately, Bajrang faced defeat in the national selection trial for the Paris Olympics qualifiers.
Earlier, Bajrang had raised concerns through a video alleging that the dope collection kit was outdated. NADA clarified that Bajrang’s provisional suspension restricts his participation in any competition or trial pending the final decision following the hearing. Interestingly, the suspension letter was dispatched to the disbanded ad hoc committee of the Wrestling Federation of India, which is affiliated with World United Wrestling.
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