Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Bajrang Punia has taken his fight against a provisional suspension by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) to the Delhi High Court. The suspension, issued in June, stems from an incident where Punia allegedly refused to provide a urine sample for a doping test.
Punia’s legal team argues that the suspension threatens his participation in the upcoming senior world wrestling championships, scheduled for October 28-31 in Tirana, Albania. They contend that if the suspension is not lifted, he will be forced to retire from wrestling.
The four-time world medalist has also requested an independent investigation into the handling of the doping test, raising concerns about the use of a single/expired kit by NADA. Punia alleges a lack of transparency and a suspicious cover-up by the agency.
The legal challenge stems from a series of events that began in March 2024 when Punia was suspended for refusing to provide a urine sample during the selection trials in Sonepat. The World Wrestling Governing body (UWW) also suspended him.
While the initial suspension was lifted in May, NADA reinstated it in late June after issuing a formal notice of charge. Punia maintains that he never refused to provide a sample, but requested an explanation from NADA regarding the use of expired kits for testing in December 2023. He claims that his emails to NADA seeking answers were ignored.
The high court will now hear the case and determine whether the suspension should be lifted and whether an independent investigation into the allegations of improper testing procedures is warranted. This case has significant implications for the future of Indian wrestling and the integrity of anti-doping efforts in the country.
