On the day media reports claimed that Olympic bronze medalist Bajrang Punia had been provisionally suspended from all competitions for violating drug regulations, the wrestler took to social media to defend himself.
In a post on X, Punia wrote that when a doping control inspector came to collect his sample in March, he asked him for an explanation regarding the employ of expired kits during an out-of-competition test in December. Bajrang said he was ready to give the sample after his earlier complaint was responded to.
Bajrang’s social media post comes after it was reported that NADA had temporarily suspended him for refusing to submit a urine sample during tests conducted at the Sports Authority of India facility in Sonipat on March 10. The Tribune reported that Bajrang was “immediately interim suspended.” suspended from participation in any competition or activity prior to the final decision made at the hearing in this case,” according to the notice sent to the wrestler.
Even though Bajrang lost in the 65kg trials and Sujeet Kalal will represent India at the World Qualifiers for the Paris Olympics on May 9, the ephemeral suspension could jeopardize the Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist’s chances of getting another shot at the summer games. The winner of the Olympic quota will have to beat the winner of the next national trials to book a place in Paris, an official of the Wrestling Federation of India confirmed.
“I want to clarify the news that I was asked to take a drug test!!! I never refused to give my sample to the NADA officials, I asked them to first reply to me what action they took regarding the expired kit they brought to collect my sample (earlier) and then submit to my drug test. My lawyer Vidush Singhania will respond to this letter in due course,” Bajrang wrote on X.
I want to clarify the news about me regarding the anti-doping test!!! I never refused to give the sample to the NADA officials, I asked them to respond as to what action they took regarding the expired kit they had earlier brought to collect my sample… pic.twitter.com/aU676ADyy3
The expired kit incident takes place in December when NADA officials went to collect samples from Bajrang. Bajrang posted a video in which he stated that the kits used had passed their expiration date.
“This is a very significant film for all of us to watch and think about. How can you trust the system if the process is not followed? How can you be sure that there is no manipulation in the entire process,” Bajrang was heard saying in the recording.
Bajrang’s lawyer Vidushpat Singhania said: “We need to get access to the case files. We will soon submit our response to the NADA notice.”
A clip posted on social media by Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia in which he claims that doping first aid kits have expired. (Screenshots via Bajrang Punia X)
WFI president Sanjay Singh said the federation is yet to receive a copy of the NADA notification that temporarily suspended Bajrang.
Bajrang will have to appear before the disciplinary committee at the beginning of the hearing, a process that could take weeks, if not months.
According to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code, “Refusing or failing to submit a Sample without reasonable justification, or failing to attend a Sample collection after being notified in accordance with applicable anti-doping rules, or otherwise failing to provide a Sample, constitutes an anti-doping rule violation.”
At the trials in Sonipat, Bajrang lost to Rohit 9-3 in the semi-finals. After losing, he immediately left the place and did not return to fight for third or fourth place.
Bajrang was one of the key participants in the protests against former Wrestling Federation of India president and BJP MP Brig Bhushan Sharan Singh, who was accused of sexual harassment by six women wrestlers.
Brij Bhushan was found responsible for sexual harassment, harassment and stalking of women
wrestlers in Delhi Police charge sheet.
During the December WFI elections, Sanjay Singh, a close associate of the MP, was elected to this position. As a result, Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik quit wrestling, World Championship medalist Vinesh Phogat returned her Khel Ratna and Arjuna awards, and Bajrang returned her Padma Shri.
