NADA suspends Bajrang Punia for 4 years for refusing to provide sample for doping test

India’s National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has imposed a four-year suspension on Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Bajrang Punia for refusing to provide a sample during a doping test on March 10 at the national team selection trials. 

Initially, NADA provisionally suspended Bajrang on April 23, which was followed by world governing body for wrestling, United World Wrestling, who had also suspended him. After Bajrang appealed the provisional ban, NADA’s Anti-Disciplinary Doping Panel temporarily revoked it on May 31, pending a formal charge. 

On June 23, NADA issued a notice of charge to the wrestler. Bajrang then challenged it in a written submission on July 11. Hearings were held on September 20 and October 4 before the final suspension was confirmed. 

The four-year ban bars Bajrang from returning to competitive wrestling and restricts him from applying for international coaching roles should he choose to transition to training athletes.