Bajrang Punia SLAPPED with SUSPENSION by NADA: What we know of the DOPING controversy so far?

India's medalist from Tokyo Olympics and elite wrestler Bajrang Punia has been slapped with a provisional suspension by National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) citing the wrestler's failure to provide doping samples back in March 2024. The ban comes after NADA made it clear that Bajrang Punia failed to provide his urine samples for dope testing during the trials in Sonipat. 

The provisional suspension means that Bajrang Punia is barred from participating in any further tournaments or trials till his ban is lifted. This comes as a huge blow to Punia's Paris Olympics 2024 aspirations as if the suspension is not lifted then he would miss the trials which are set to take place some time next month.  

This is another incident in the long standing doping controversy that has been surrounding Bajrang Punia and his stand off with National Anti Doping Agency. Here's what we know of the doping controversy so far. 

Why is Bajrang Punia suspended?

As explained earlier, Bajrang Punia has been handed the provisional suspension by NADA owing to his failure to provide urine samples post his fight against Rohit Kumar back in March. According to NADA, Punia docked the testing and stormed off the facilities during selection trials in Sonipat. Punia's non compliance in testing left NADA with no choice but to suspend him. 

Why did Bajrang Punia not comply with NADA test?

From Bajrang Punia's side of story, his non compliance with NADA testing comes due to his dissatisfaction over not receiving any clarity over his plea against the use of expired gear in testing. In a video released earlier, Bajrang Punia had raised concern over the fact that NADA was using expired dope collection kits. 

As Bajrang Punia did not receive any clarity over the issue, the Wrestler back in March decided to disobey NADA and made his feelings clear why he did not want to comply with the test. 

What happens next with Bajrang Punia and NADA?

According to reports, NADA in a notice given to Bajrang Punia, the wrestler is required to send a written explanation on his refusal to comply with the doping protocols. Once the explanation arrives from Punia and if Punia accepts the consequences then the case will be resolved with a right to appeal. Till the case is resolved or if the case goes to a hearing then Bajrang Punia will remain suspended and won't be able to participate in any tournaments. 

There is a chance that the Tokyo Olympic gold medalist's ticket to the Paris Olympics 2024 might never see the light of the day.