The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) suspended wrestler Bajrang Punia indefinitely, a transfer that would doubtlessly jeopardise his bid to compete within the Paris Olympics, which is scheduled to be held later this 12 months. According to sources, Punia failed to offer his urine pattern for the choice trials at Sonepat on March 10, prompting NADA to concern the order suspending him from participation in any future occasions.
“With subject to paragraph 4:1:2 below and in accordance with article 7.4 of the NADR 2021, Bajrang Punia has been immediately provisionally suspended from participation in any competition or activity prior to the final decision reached at a hearing in this matter,” learn an official launch from NADA dated April 23.
Punia, together with a line of different prime wrestlers, together with Olympians Sakshi Malik and Vinesh; was on the forefront of former BJP MP and president of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accusing him of sexual harassment. Following his suspension in gentle of the costs, Punia, who gained the nation a bronze medal on the Tokyo Olympics, is prone to be barred from participation within the choice trials which might be scheduled for later this month. No Indian has but gained an Olympic quota within the 65kg class.
Sujeet Kalkal will symbolize India on the World Qualifiers, that are set to get underway in Istanbul on May 9. The suspension discover was addressed to the Wrestling Federation of India’s (WFI) now-defunct advert hoc committee, versus the federation that’s recognised by United World Wrestling (UWW).
Punia, who a couple of months prior launched a video claiming to have expired dope-collecting kits, disregarded the dope management officer’s directive, claiming that NADA officers had not but addressed his issues.
According to the dope-collecting officer’s report, he left though he was knowledgeable that his refusal would lead to a warning for breaking anti-doping guidelines. “Punia, surrounded by his supporters, continuously repeated his statement and immediately left the venue refusing to give a dope sample,” the DCO said in his report.
Punia was requested to current a written justification by May 7 for his refusal to submit supporting documentation and a urine pattern. “If you do accept the consequences, the case will be resolved without further disciplinary proceedings, subject to the right of appeal. If you disagree, the matter will be referred for adjudication to the anti-doping disciplinary panel,” the letter said.
