No interim relief for Bajrang Punia, court seeks response from NADA

NEW DELHI: The Delhi high court has refused to grant interim relief to wrestler Bajrang Punia in the matter involving his provisional suspension by National Anti-Doping Agency (Nada). The court, however, has sought response from Nada regarding Bajrang's petition challenging the suspension for his refusal to provide a urine sample for dope testing during the wrestling selection trials in Sonepat on March 10.
Nada's counsel informed the court that a disciplinary panel has been formed and a hearing into the matter will be held soon. Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Bajrang had moved court contending that since the senior world wrestling championships - in which he desires to participate - is fast approaching, his suspension may be lifted. He had filed the writ petition through his lawyer Vidushpat Singhania.
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.