Olympic bronze medalist wrestler Bajrang Punia has been suspended by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) for a second time for refusing to provide a urine sample during selection trials. This suspension comes after NADA revoked his previous suspension due to procedural issues. Punia’s legal team plans to challenge the suspension, arguing he did not refuse to provide a sample but sought clarification on expired kits used previously.
Background
NADA initially suspended Bajrang Punia on April 23 for refusing to give a urine sample during selection trials in Sonepat on March 10. The global governing body for wrestling, United World Wrestling (UWW), also suspended him. Punia appealed, and the Anti-Disciplinary Doping (ADDP) panel revoked the suspension on May 31, citing that NADA had not issued a formal “notice of charge.”
Current Suspension
On Sunday, NADA served Punia with a formal notice of charge, reinstating his provisional suspension. The notice stated Punia violated Article 2.3 of the National Anti-Doping Rules, 2021, for refusing to submit a urine sample. Punia has until July 11 to request a hearing or accept the charge.
Punia’s Defense
Punia’s defense claims he did not refuse to provide the sample but demanded a response from NADA regarding expired kits used for sample collection in December 2023. His lawyer, Vidhushpat Singhania, confirmed they will file a reply challenging the suspension.
NADA’s Explanation: NADA explained that despite multiple requests and detailed explanations from the Doping Control Officer (DCO) about the consequences, Punia refused to provide the urine sample. NADA emphasized that if the Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) is upheld, it could lead to the disqualification of results, forfeiture of medals, points, prizes, and possibly financial penalties.
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