2024-05-08 13:56:30
Taking a big decision, the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has temporarily suspended wrestler Bajrang Punia, due to which there is a danger of this star wrestler losing his bid for the Paris Olympics. NADA’s order comes after Poonia failed to submit his urine sample during the selection test in Sonipat on March 10. A few months later, Bajrang Punia had released a video alleging that the dope collection kit had expired, after which he refused to give the sample during the test in Sonipat.
NADA said in its statement, ‘Subject to paragraph 4:1:2 below and Article 7.4 of NADR 2021, you are immediately temporarily suspended from participating in any competition or activity pending a final decision in the hearing in this matter. It is done. If the charges are sustained, Punia, who won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, will be barred from the selection trials to be held next month. So far no Indian has won a quota in the 65 kg category. Sujit Kalkal will represent India in the World Qualifiers starting from May 9 in Istanbul.
Interestingly, the suspension letter was sent to the now defunct ad-hoc committee of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) instead of the federation recognized by United World Wrestling (UWW). The dope collection officer’s report mentions that Bajrang Punia left despite being told that if he refused, he would be served a notice for anti-doping rule violation.
The DCO report said, ‘Surrounded by his supporters, Poonia repeatedly repeated his statement and immediately left the venue, refusing to give the dope sample.’ Poonia has been asked to send a written explanation by May 7 for his refusal to give his urine sample along with supporting documents. ‘If you accept the test, subject to the right of appeal, the matter will be resolved without further disciplinary proceedings,’ the letter said. If you disagree, the case will be referred to the Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel for a decision.