NADA bans veteran wrestler and Congress leader Bajrang for 4 years

Bajrang’s appeal was rejected

Bajrang appealed against the suspension and it was quashed by NADA’s Disciplinary Doping Panel (ADDP) until the charge notice was issued by NADA on 31 May. After this, NADA issued a notice to the wrestler on June 23.

Joined Congress, participated in protests

Notably, Bajrang Punia joined the Congress along with fellow wrestler Vinesh Phogat, where he was given the responsibility of All India Kisan Congress. He challenged the charges in writing on July 11. After this, hearings were held on 20 September and 4 October.

Now Bajrang Punia can’t even give coaching

With regard to Bajrang Punia, the ADDP said in its order that – The Panel is of the view that the athlete is liable to sanctions under Article 10.3.1 and is hereby declared ineligible for a period of 4 years. The ban means Bajrang will not be able to return to competitive wrestling and will not be able to apply for coaching jobs abroad if he wishes. The panel said that the 4-year ban on Bajrang will come into effect from 23.04.2024.

I was banned because of Brijbhushan: Bajrang

Bajrang has since said that he has been treated extremely prejudicially and unfairly in relation to doping control due to his involvement in the protests against former WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Bajrang also said that he never refused to give the samples but had only sought a reply from NADA to his email in which he had sought an answer as to why an expired kit was sent to collect his samples in December 2023. Later NADA also explained the reason behind this. Explaining the process, he said that the chaperone/DCO contacted him appropriately and told him that he was required to provide urine sample for dope analysis.