Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist wrestler Bajrang Punia‘s troubles continue as he has been suspended again by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) for violating doping rules. Previously banned in April, Punia’s suspension was revoked three weeks ago by the ADPP for NADA’s failure to issue a ‘notice of charge.’
During trials in Sonepat in March, Bajrang Punia refused to provide a urine sample to NADA, resulting in his suspension for violating doping rules, later upheld by United World Wrestling. He appealed the suspension, which was withdrawn by NADA’s disciplinary doping panel on May 31, pending issuing a notice of charges. NADA subsequently issued the notice on Sunday.
Bajrang has until July 11 to request a hearing or accept the charges. He claims he never refused to give the sample, but sought NADA’s response to his email questioning the use of expired kits for sample collection.
NADA explained their action, stating that the Chaperone/DCO informed Bajrang of the need to provide a urine sample for dope analysis, but he refused until NADA addressed his email regarding expired kits. Despite repeated requests, Bajrang did not comply, leading to the anti-doping rule violation being sustained. This violation may result in the disqualification of his results from the event during which it occurred.
