Huge! NADA suspends wrestler Bajrang Punia for not giving sample for dope test

New Delhi, May 6: In a significant development, the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has provisionally suspended wrestler Bajrang Punia, four-time World Championships medallist and Tokyo Olympics bronze winner, for his refusal to give his urine sample to dope control officers during the recent selection trials in Sonipat.

In its suspension order, NADA wrote: "With subject to paragraph 4:1:2 below and in accordance with Article 7.4 of the NADR 2021, you are immediately provisionally suspended from participation in any competition or activity prior to the final decision reached at a hearing in this matter." Nada's communication was sent to Bajrang on April 23."

"Decisions in relation to Provisional Suspension may be appealed in accordance with article 13.2 or the NADR 2021. In addition to the rights mentioned above, you have the opportunity to provide an explanation to NADA India by 07/5/2024," the statement read.

"If you do not accept the consequences, the case will be resolved without further disciplinary proceedings, subject to the right of appeal. If you disagree, the matter will be referred for adjudication to the anti-doping disciplinary panel (ADDP)," the order further read.

Following reports of his provisional suspension order, Olympic bronze medal winner Bajrang Punia clarified that he never refused to give his sample. "I want to clarify about a report about my dope test. I never refused to give my sample, I requested them for a response about the expired kit which they had sent to collect my sample. I wanted to know what action was taken? I told them to please give me a reply and take my sample. My lawyer Vidhusphat Singhania will reply to this notice soon," Bajrang wrote on X.

Punia will be ineligible to participate in any tournaments or trials until his suspension is lifted which has endangered his participation at the upcoming Paris Olympics scheduled to be held in July-August this year. He is likely to be barred from taking part in the selection trials for the Paris Olympics slated to be held later in May.