New Delhi: Bajrang Punia, India’s celebrated Olympic bronze medallist in wrestling, has been banned for four years by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) for refusing to provide a urine sample during national trials in March 2024. Initially placed under provisional suspension in April 2024, Punia’s ban was upheld following hearings conducted by NADA’s Anti-Disciplinary Doping Panel (ADDP) in September and October 2024. The ineligibility period is effective from April 23, 2024, and disqualifies him from participating in competitions or taking up coaching roles until its conclusion.
Punia’s defense hinged on mistrust of NADA’s procedures, specifically the alleged use of expired testing kits, which he argued was the reason for his refusal to provide a sample. He further linked the incident to his strained relations with the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and his involvement in protests against former WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Despite these claims, NADA maintained that Punia’s actions were intentional and violated anti-doping regulations.
The ADDP dismissed Punia’s arguments and credited NADA’s stance, noting his deliberate disregard for anti-doping rules. Punia’s storied career includes medals in the Olympics, World Championships, and multiple Asian and Commonwealth Games. His achievements earned him prestigious accolades such as the Arjuna Award, Khel Ratna, and Padma Shri. This suspension, however, casts a shadow over his legacy and disrupts Indian wrestling’s trajectory.
