Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia, a bronze medalist at the Tokyo Olympics, is taking legal action against a provisional suspension imposed by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). Punia, known for his exceptional skills on the wrestling mat, has filed a petition in the Delhi High Court seeking to have the suspension overturned. This legal battle stems from an incident during the National selection trials in Sonipat on March 10, when Punia refused to provide a urine sample for a dope test.
NADA, on April 23, took action by suspending the wrestler for his refusal. The World Wrestling Governing body, UWW, also followed suit with a suspension. Punia had previously appealed against the provisional suspension, and NADA’s Anti-Disciplinary Doping Panel (ADDP) had temporarily lifted it on May 31 until NADA issued a formal notice of charge.
NADA, in June 2024, formally charged Punia with violating Article 2.3 of the National Anti-Doping Rules, 2021, and reinstated the provisional suspension. In his petition, Punia has urged the court to treat his case urgently, highlighting that the elite World wrestling Championships are scheduled to take place in Tirana, Albania, from October 28 to 31. He argues that the suspension will prevent him from competing in this crucial event, potentially forcing him into early retirement.
Furthermore, Punia has requested the court to order an independent investigation into the alleged use of expired kits for sample collection during an incident in December of last year. He believes this incident might have contributed to the current situation.
With the World Championships looming, the outcome of this legal battle holds significant implications for Punia’s career. The Delhi High Court will now decide whether to lift the provisional suspension and allow him to compete in the prestigious event.
