Wrestling Controversy: Bajrang Punia's Four-Year Ban Explained

In a significant blow to Indian wrestling, Bajrang Punia, the Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist, has been suspended for four years by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) for allegedly refusing to submit a doping sample during national team selection trials on March 10. 

The Suspension Timeline 

The suspension journey began on April 23 when NADA initially suspended Punia. The World Governing Body for Wrestling (UWW) subsequently followed suit, effectively halting Punia's international wrestling career.The ban commenced from April 23, 2024, with a brief period of suspension lifted between May 31 and June 21.

Punia's Legal Battle

Challenging the provisional suspension, Punia sought temporary relief. On May 31, NADA's Anti-Disciplinary Doping Panel (ADDP) temporarily lifted the suspension until formal charges were issued. By June 23, NADA formally notified him of the allegations.

Wrestler's Defense 

Punia maintains that he never outright refused the doping test but sought clarification regarding expired testing kits used during the December 2023 sample collection. He argues that the suspension is a result of his involvement in protests against the former Wrestling Federation of India President, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The wrestler, who recently aligned with the Congress party in Haryana and leads the All India Kisan Congress, suggests potential political motivations behind the ban. He alleges that if he had joined the BJP, the restrictions might have been lifted.

NADA's Stance 

NADA strongly defends its actions, stating that Punia deliberately disregarded his responsibilities as an athlete. The organization maintains that the Doping Control Officer properly explained the sample submission requirement.

The four-year suspension means Punia cannot:

• Participate in competitive wrestling  
• Seek coaching opportunities abroad
• Represent India in international competitions