NADA suspends Bajrang Punia for four years

The National Anti-Doping Agency on Tuesday suspended Bajrang Punia for four years for his refusal to provide his sample for dope test on March 10 during selection trials for the national team. NADA had first suspended the Tokyo Games bronze medallist wrestler on April 23 for the offence following which, the World Governing body UWW had also suspended him.
Bajrang had appealed against the provisional suspension and NADA’s Anti-Disciplinary Doping panel (ADDP) had revoked it on May 31 till NADA issues the notice of charge.The suspension stems from a violation of Article 10.3.1 of NADA’s Anti-Doping Rules.
The suspension also disqualifies Bajrang from competing in wrestling and potentially pursuing international coaching roles during this period. The ADDP clarified, “Needless to say that on account of the lifting of the provisional suspension for the period from 31.05.2024 to 21.06.2024 shall not be credited into the total period of ineligibility of four years.” 
NADA maintained that the athlete’s actions were deliberate, stating, “The outright refusal by the athlete to provide a urine sample for the dope test was intentional and deliberate” and demonstrated disregard for anti-doping responsibilities outlined in Articles 20.1 and 20.2 of its 2021 rules.The controversy underscores tensions between athletes and anti-doping authorities, with Bajrang’s case drawing attention to procedural and trust-related issues in sports governance.