New Delhi. Star wrestler and Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Bajrang Punia has been banned for 4 years by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). Bajrang had refused to give his urine sample to this agency formed to prevent doping in the country, which is a violation of Article 10.3.1 of NADA rules. Earlier, NADA had imposed a provisional suspension on this player till 23 April 2024, which was also accepted by the World Wrestling Governing Body (UWW), although Bajrang had filed an appeal against it, on which after hearing, NADA lifted the ban on 31 May.

After this, NADA issued a notice to Bajrang on 23 June 2024, in which after hearing Bajrang's written arguments on 20 September and 4 October, ADDP decided to impose a four-year ineligibility period starting from 23 April 2024. After this decision of NADA, the career of this 30-year-old player seems to be coming to a sad end.

After this ban, Bajrang will not be able to participate in any wrestling tournament and according to the rules, he cannot even coach at the international level during this period of ban. While reading its decision, ADDP clarified, ‘Needless to say, the provisional suspension for the period from 31.05.2024 to 21.06.2024 will not be credited to the total period of ineligibility of four years due to its lifting.’

Meanwhile, Bajrang had argued that he did not deliberately refuse to give his sample to NADA but it happened due to lack of confidence in the NADA process. He cited examples where expired test kits were provided. He claimed, 'It was not a direct refusal. The athlete was always ready to provide his sample. Provided he got a response from NADA first regarding the use of expired kits.'

Reacting to the ban, Bajrang also claimed that the harsh action was taken against him due to protests against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and that the decision was biased.