NADA reimposes suspension on Bajrang Punia over dope test refusal

NEW DELHI: The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has once again suspended wrestler Bajrang Punia, weeks after his initial suspension was revoked by the Anti-Disciplinary Doping Panel (ADDP). This action follows allegations that Punia refused to provide a urine sample for a dope test during selection trials in Sonepat on March 10. NADA issued a formal notice of charge to Punia, leading to his provisional suspension.
NADA had first suspended Tokyo Games bronze medallist Bajrang Punia on April 23 for not providing a urine sample during the selection trials. This suspension was also upheld by the World Governing body UWW. However, the ADDP revoked this suspension on May 31, citing that NADA had not issued a formal "notice of charge." According to a PTI report, with the notice served now, the suspension has been reimposed.
The formal notice from NADA read, "This serves as a formal notice that you are being charged with the violation of Article 2.3 of the National Anti-Doping Rules, 2021 and now you are provisionally suspended."
Bajrang Punia has until July 11 to request a hearing or accept the charge. Punia, for his part, has asserted that he did not refuse to provide a sample but merely wanted to know why expired kits were used for taking his samples in December 2023. He awaited a response from NADA to his email on this issue.
Explaining its position, NADA stated, "Chaperone/DCO had duly approached you and informed you that you were required to provide a urine sample for dope analysis purposes. 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, which were used by the concerned DCO who had come to collect the sample of the athlete for the dope test about two months ago. Following your refusal to submit to sample collection, the DCO of NADA had also explained to you in detail, about its consequences and outcomes under the NADR, 2021. Despite all the efforts made by the DCO, you had refused to submit for the sample collection."
NADA further clarified the implications of an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) being upheld. "It will seek disqualification of results in the event during which the ADRV occurred, commission of the ADRV with all resulting consequences including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes."
Additionally, NADA hinted at the possibility of recovering costs associated with the ADRV from Punia and imposing a fine, as permitted under the NADR, 2021.