The national anti-doping agency has again suspended Bajrang Punia, the Tokyo Games bronze medallist wrestler. It is his second suspension in a span of less than three months. The announcement came three weeks after the Anti-Disciplinary Doping Panel had revoked his first suspension for procedural lapses by NADA.

The muddle began when Bajrang Punia was provisionally suspended on April 23 for allegedly refusing to give a urine sample in the selection trials conducted in Sonepat on March 10. The World Governing body, United World Wrestling, also reciprocated this suspension. Punia had appealed against this provisional suspension, and on May 31, the ADDP revoked it, citing that NADA did not issue a ‘notice of charge’ to the wrestler.

The recent letter states that NADA had written to Bajrang Punia, “This serves to issue you with formal notice that you are charged with an anti-doping rule violation pursuant to Article 2.3 of the National Anti-Doping Rules, 2021 and now you are provisionally suspended.” Punia now has until July 11 to request a hearing or accept the charge.

He has been consistent in his denial of the refusal to provide the sample. He said that he had only sought clarification from NADA regarding the expired kits these people sent for sample collection in December 2023. “I never refused to give my sample. I only wanted answers from NADA regarding the expired kits used in the previous test,” said Punia.

Vidhushpat Singhania, Bajrang’s lawyer confirmed their intention to challenge the latest suspension. “Yes, we will have to file a reply,” Singhania told PTI, indicating readiness to contest the charge.

NADA has clarified the entire action at its end. As per their version, a Chaperone/DCO approached one Bajrang Punia during the trials and asked him to provide a urine sample for dope analysis. He refused to give even after several requests and even on explaining the consequences. He wanted an answer to his previous email regarding their expired kits.

“Even after several requests made by the DCO you had refused to provide your urine sample on the ground that you would not provide the sample unless NADA replies to your email regarding the issue of expired kits”, the statement from NADA said. 

The agency also clarified that the DCO had warned Bajrang that his refusal would attract severe consequences under the National Anti-Doping Rules, 2021.

In case of an Anti-Doping Rule Violation on the part of Bajrang Punia, serious consequences might ensue against him. NADA has pointed out that it would get the results of all events disqualified during which the ADRV occurred, on and from the date the ADRV is established, with the disqualification of all the medals, points, and prizes. 

Other than this, NADA may, at its absolute discretion, elect financial costs associated with the ADRV or impose a fine as provided under the NADR, 2021.

It thus adds to the long list of controversial anti-doping rules and their implementation process in sports. With Bajrang Punia all set to appeal against his suspension, the wrestling fraternity and the more extensive sporting community keenly awaits the verdict that may eventually turn out to be a defining moment in the career of this prolific athlete and the legitimacy of anti-doping authority in India.