Bajrang Punia approaches Delhi High Court, challenges suspension by NADA

NEW DELHI: Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Bajrang Punia has moved the Delhi High Court challenging his provisional suspension by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) in June for “refusing to give his urine sample” for dope testing.

In an urgent writ petition filed through his lawyer Vidushpat Singhania, Bajrang has contended that since the senior world wrestling championships, in which he desires to participate, is fast approaching, his suspension may be lifted.

“The senior world wrestling championships shall be held in Tirana, Albania from Oct 28 to 31, 2024. However, the provisional suspension imposed by the respondent (NADA) shall prevent the petitioner from competing in the said event, owing to which the petitioner (Bajrang) shall be forced to retire from the sport of wrestling,” Bajrang argued through his legal team.

The four-time World medallist has also sought an ‘independent investigation and inquiry’ into the alleged role of NADA in using a single/expired kit for testing and the subsequent ‘non transparent and suspicious cover’-up by the country’s anti-doping watchdog.

“…issue a write in the nature of mandamus or any other appropriate writ, order or direction directing a suspension and/or quashing of the notice dated 21.06.2024, wherein an order imposing a provisional suspension on the petitioner has been passed by the respondent without application of mind and without even considering the explanations and evidence provided by the petitioner,” the writ read.

NADA had, on April 23, suspended Bajrang for refusal to give his urine sample during the selection trials held in Sonepat on March 10. World Governing body UWW had also suspended him.

Bajrang had appealed against the provisional suspension and NADA’s anti-disciplinary doping panel (ADDP) had revoked it on May 31 till NADA issued the notice of charge. Later NADA, in late June, suspended the wrestler for a second time and issued a formal notice of charge to him.

Bajrang has maintained that he never refused to give samples but only demanded to know NADA’s response to his emails where he sought answers why expired kits were sent to take his samples in Dec 2023.


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