Bajrang Punia suspended again by NADA, served notice of charge

Bajrang Punia was suspended for the second time by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) on Sunday, three weeks after ADDP had revoked his suspension because no 'notice of charge' had been issued to the wrestler.

On 23 April, NADA had suspended the Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist for refusal to provide his urine sample for dope test during the selection trials held in Sonepat on 10 March. Subsequently, the governing body (UWW) also suspended him.

Punia appealed against the provisional suspension and NADA's Anti-Disciplinary Doping panel (ADDP) revoked it on 31 May until NADA issued notice of charge.

On Sunday, NADA served the notice to the wrestler.

"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," said NADA's communication to Bajrang.

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Punia can challenge the ruling until 11 July or accept the charge.

The wrestler has maintained that his decision to not give the sample was brought on by NADA's own refusal to answer his queries. In an email, he sought to know why expired kits were sent to take his samples in December 2023.

NADA explained the reason for its action.

"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 made it clear that of Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) is 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."

The NADA can also elect to recover from Punia the financial costs associated with the ADRV and or impose a fine as provided in the NADR, 2021.