Leader Online Desk : Bajrang Punia Suspend : Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia has been suspended by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). NADA's decision could deal a blow to Bajrang Punia's campaign to make it to the Paris Olympics. Punia had not given the dope test in the selection test held in Sonepat on March 10. Nada has revealed that suspension action has been taken against him.
In its statement, NADA said that on March 10, Bajrang Punia was asked by NADA to provide a urine sample during the tests conducted in Sonepat. But the Olympic champion wrestler refused this. Therefore, NADA informed the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) about this. Wada then suggested that Nada issue a notice to Bajrang to answer why he rejected the test. In such circumstances, NADA issued a notice to Bajrang Punia on April 23 and asked him to reply by 7. The hearing date will be fixed only when Bajrang responds to NADA. Meanwhile, as per Section 7.4 of NADR 2021, Punia has been provisionally suspended. He will not be able to participate in any competitions or trials until this suspension is lifted. If these allegations persist, he will not be able to participate in the Olympic selection trials.' (Bajrang Punia Suspended)
Bajrang Punia's defeat in trials
Bajrang Punia faced defeat in the national selection test held for the Paris Olympics qualifiers. Tokyo Olympics (2020) bronze medalist Bajrang was upstaged by wrestler Rohit Kumar in the semi-finals of the 65 kg freestyle weight category. This year, the Paris Olympics will be held in France from July 26 to August 11.
Punia won a gold medal for India at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022. At that time, he defeated Canada's L. McLean was defeated 9-2. This was Punia's second gold medal in a row and third overall in the Commonwealth Games. However, he has not been able to perform particularly well since then. Punia also disappointed in the Hangzhou Asian Games.
Bajrang Punia was among the wrestlers who protested against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brijbhushan Sharan Singh. Punia had recently written to United World Wrestling (UWW) requesting action against the WF. However, a few days later, the UWW lifted the ban on WFI.
