Wrestler Bajrang Punia given indefinite suspension in doping case: Report | wrestling news

The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has suspended wrestler Bajrang Punia indefinitely, a move that could potentially jeopardize his bid to compete at the Paris Olympics, scheduled to be held later this year. Going to do. According to sources, Punia failed to provide his urine sample for the selection trials in Sonipat on March 10, following which NADA issued an order suspending him from participating in any future events. “Subject to paragraph 4:1:2 below and in accordance with Article 7.4 of NADR 2021, Bajrang Punia is immediately temporarily suspended from participating in any competition or activity pending the final decision in the hearing in this case. ” Read an official release from NADA on April 23.

Punia, along with a line-up of other top wrestlers including Olympians Sakshi Malik and Vinesh; Former BJP MP and Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan was at the forefront of accusing Sharan Singh of sexual harassment.

Following the suspension in light of the allegations, Punia, who won the country a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, is likely to be barred from participating in the selection trials to be held later this month. No Indian has yet won an Olympic quota in the 65 kg category.

Sujit Kalkal will represent India at the World Qualifiers, which is scheduled to begin on May 9 in Istanbul.

The suspension notice was addressed to the now defunct ad-hoc committee of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), as opposed to the federation recognized by United World Wrestling (UWW).

Punia, who had released a video a few months ago claiming that he had expired dope-collection kits, disregarded the dope control officer’s direction and claimed that NADA officials were yet to address his concerns. not done.

According to the report of the officer collecting the dope, he left, even though he was informed that his refusal would result in a warning for breaking anti-doping rules.

“Surrounded by his supporters, Punia repeatedly repeated his statement and immediately left the venue, refusing to give the dope sample,” the DCO said in its report.

Punia was asked to submit a written explanation by May 7 for his refusal to submit supporting documents and urine sample.

The letter states, “If you accept the results, subject to the right of appeal, the matter will be resolved without further disciplinary proceedings. If you disagree, the matter will be referred to the Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel for decision.” will be sent.”

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