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Bajrang Punia Suspended for Four Years by NADA Over Dope Test Refusal.
New Delhi: Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Bajrang Punia has been handed a four-year suspension by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) for refusing to provide a dope test sample. The suspension, effective from April 23, 2024, was announced on Tuesday following his refusal during national selection trials on March 10.
The 30-year-old wrestler cited mistrust in NADA due to the use of expired doping kits in an earlier test. Punia argued he did not outright refuse the test but sought clarification from NADA. However, NADA maintained that his refusal was deliberate, accusing him of violating Articles 10.3.1, 20.1, and 20.2 of the Anti-Doping Rules, 2021.
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NADA stated that its doping control officer had informed Punia about the requirement for a urine sample, but the wrestler left the venue without complying. “The athlete showed utter disregard for his responsibilities,” NADA said in its statement.
Punia, who recently joined the Congress party, dismissed the suspension as politically motivated. He linked the decision to his involvement in protests against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. “This is a conspiracy. I have all evidence to prove I was present during the trials. NADA’s actions are unfair,” Punia said, adding he was willing to provide a sample but wanted clarity on the expired kits issue.
The suspension was briefly lifted from May 31 to June 21, pending a formal investigation. However, NADA’s Anti-Disciplinary Doping Panel (ADDP) reinstated the ban after hearings in September and October, rejecting Punia’s defense.
The ban bars Punia from competitive wrestling for four years and jeopardizes his coaching prospects abroad. The ADDP clarified that the period when the suspension was lifted would not count toward the four-year ineligibility.
NADA defended its stance, stating Punia’s refusal undermined the anti-doping framework. “He intentionally evaded the doping control process, which is crucial for maintaining fairness in sports,” the agency said.
Punia, in his written submission, argued that NADA’s prior mishandling of procedures eroded trust. “It was not a refusal. I only sought answers to legitimate concerns about expired kits,” he said.
The suspension marks a significant blow to Punia’s career, raising questions about fairness and the integrity of anti-doping processes in Indian sports.
