Bajrang Punia Ban: Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia has suffered a major setback. Bajrang will not be seen in the wrestling ring until next year. Star wrestler Bajrang Punia has been banned for 4 years by the National Anti-Doping Agency. This ban has been imposed on him for violating the anti-doping code. According to media reports, Bajrang Punia refused to give his sample for dope tests during the selection trials for the national team. For this, NADA has banned him for four years on 26 November. NADA first suspended Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Bajrang on 23 April for this offense, after which UWW also suspended him. Bajrang had appealed against the provisional suspension and NADA's Disciplinary Anti-Doping Panel (ADDP) revoked it on 31 May, until NADA issued a notice of charge. After this, NADA sent a notice to the wrestler on 23 June.

Bajrang had joined the Congress.

Recently, Bajrang Punia joined the Congress along with wrestler Vinesh Phogat. Bajrang was given the charge of the All India Kisan Congress. He challenged the suspension in writing on July 11, after which the hearing was held on September 20 and October 4. The ADDP said in its order that the panel believes that the athlete is liable for sanctions under Article 10.3.1 and may be disqualified for a period of 4 years. The suspension means that Bajrang will not be able to return to competitive wrestling and even if he wants, he will not be able to apply for a coaching job abroad.

Why was the expired kit sent?

Bajrang also said that he never refused to give a sample but only wanted to know NADA's response to his email, in which he had sought an answer as to why expired kits were sent to collect his samples in December 2023. NADA also explained the reason for its action, saying that the chaperone/DCO had duly contacted him and informed him that he was required to give a urine sample for dope analysis. Bajrang said in his written submission that NADA's conduct in the last two instances has created distrust in the mind of the athlete.

There was no direct denial: Bajrang.

Bajrang also said that it was not a direct refusal. The athlete was always ready to give his sample, provided he first got a response from NADA regarding the use of expired kits. However, NADA said that the athlete's outright refusal to give a sample for dope testing was deliberate. The athlete has displayed complete neglect of his duties and responsibilities as per Articles 20.1 and 20.2 of the Anti-Doping Rules, 2021.

Bajrang has won more than 20 medals.

Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia has won more than 20 medals in his career so far. This includes 7 gold medals, 8 silver medals and 6 bronze medals. Bajrang proudly raised the name of the country by winning the bronze medal in the Tokyo Olympics. Apart from this, Bajrang has won three bronze medals including one silver in the World Championship. Similarly, he has won one gold and one silver medal in the Asian Gamesand , two gold, four silver, and two bronze medals in the Commonwealth Games.