NADA suspended Bajrang Punia for 4 years, the big reason also came to light

Bajrang Punia News: The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has suspended India's veteran wrestler Bajrang Punia for four years. The decision was taken after he refused to give his sample for a dope test in March. This tough move by NADA indicates the strictness of doping rules in Indian sports. Bajrang's suspension will be effective from 23 April 2024.

Doping notice and controversy

Notice sent to Bajrang on 23 June: NADA first suspended Bajrang Punia on 23 April 2024. After this, United World Wrestling (UWW) also suspended him. Bajrang had appealed against this suspension, after which NADA's Disciplinary Doping Panel (ADDP) revoked this suspension on 31 May. However, NADA issued a notice of doping-related charges to Bajrang on 23 June, making the matter more serious.

Distance from competitive wrestling

Four-year suspension: NADA's disciplinary panel found that Bajrang had violated Article 10.3.1, which mandates a four-year suspension. According to the panel, the suspension will be deemed to have started from the day he was first served the notice. Due to this ban, Bajrang will not be able to participate in competitive wrestling. Apart from this, he will also be unable to apply for coaching roles abroad. This decision will have a major impact on his career.

Political journey

Bajrang joins Congress party: Bajrang Punia has made his mark not only in sports but also in the political field. He won a bronze medal in wrestling for India at the Tokyo Olympics 2021. But in recent years, he became part of the protests against former Wrestling Federation of India president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. During this, he agitated at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and later joined the Congress party. The party entrusted him with the charge of All India Kisan Congress. Also, his fellow wrestler Vinesh Phogat was elected as an MLA from Julana in Haryana.

Conclusion

This suspension imposed on Bajrang Punia is a big blow to Indian wrestling. While on one hand this case shows the seriousness of doping rules for athletes, on the other hand it may prove to be a turning point in his sports and political career.

NADA's ADDP panel suspends wrestler Bajrang Punia for four years for his refusal to give his sample for a dope test in March. The suspension to begin from April 23, 2024 pic.twitter.com/wpnM0zTqNk

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 26, 2024