International wrestling body suspends Bajrang Punia till the end of 2024. wrestling news

Wrestling’s world governing body UWW has suspended Bajrang Punia till the end of this year after NADA decided to hand him a provisional suspension for refusing to undergo a dope test. However, in a surprise decision, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) sanctioned around Rs nine lakh for his training abroad despite being well aware of the NADA order. Bajrang, one of the country’s most successful wrestlers, was suspended by NADA on April 23 after receiving a notice for failure to meet on April 18.

In his defence, the Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist said he never refused to give his sample for testing, but had only asked the dope control officer to inform him about the presence of expired kits, which were his Were brought to take samples.

Bajrang told PTI that he has not received any communication from UWW about his suspension, but the world governing body while updating its internal system has clearly mentioned that he has been suspended.

The update on Bajrang’s profile reads, “Suspended till December 31, 2024 for the following reasons.”

The reason mentioned was “Temporarily suspended by NADO IND for alleged ADRV (Anti-Doping Rule Violation).”

Interestingly, the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) was informed in its April 25 meeting that over Rs 8,82,000 in airfare (actual) was sanctioned for Bajrang’s proposal to train in Dagestan, Russia, from May 28. Is.

Bajrang’s initial proposal was for a 35-day training visit from April 24, but as per the details of the MOC meeting, “Due to contradiction in the travel dates due to failure to ascertain his whereabouts, he traveled from April 24, 2024 to April 28 “Decided to postpone the plan.” May, 2024.” The proposal also included travel plans for his strength and conditioning coach Kazi Kiran Mustafa Hasan and his teammate Jitender.

Neither SAI Director General Sandeep Pradhan nor TOPS joint CEO Colonel Rakesh Yadav responded to calls or messages when PTI sought clarification about the decision to approve their training.

Bajrang confirmed that he has submitted a proposal to SAI for approval.

Bajrang said, “I am also surprised that SAI approved it. I have actually canceled my plans, I am not going anywhere for training now.” He said that his lawyer has filed a reply to NADA.

At the same MOC meet, Sarita Mor, competing in the women’s 57kg category, was sanctioned Rs 5,96,000 to train in the USA from May 5 with her husband and coach Rahul Mann.

During the Asian Qualifiers in Bishkek, Anshu Malik had secured the quota for Paris Olympics in the women’s 57 kg category.

Anshu’s training stint in Japan with his father and coach Dharamvir Malik was also sanctioned at a cost of Rs 14,67,000.

If the WFI decides to hold a final selection event, Sarita will have to emerge victorious in the trials to challenge quota winner Anshu.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)