Bajrang Punia Banned for Four Years: Complete Timeline of Events Leading to Suspension

New Delhi: Bajrang Punia, India’s Tokyo Olympics bronze medal-winning wrestler, has been banned for four years by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) after he refused to submit a doping sample during the national team selection trials on March 10, 2024. This ban prohibits Bajrang from participating in competitive wrestling or seeking coaching opportunities overseas.

Here’s a complete timeline of events leading to this suspension:

March 10, 2024: Initial Incident

During the national team selection trials for wrestling, Bajrang Punia refused to provide a sample for a mandatory doping test. This was considered a violation of anti-doping rules by NADA.

April 23, 2024: Provisional Suspension

NADA suspended Bajrang Punia provisionally for his refusal to submit the doping sample. This suspension also led to his subsequent suspension by the World Wrestling Governing Body (UWW).

May 31, 2024: Temporary Lift of Suspension

Bajrang contested the provisional suspension, leading to a temporary lifting of the suspension by NADA’s Anti-Disciplinary Doping Panel (ADDP). However, this was a temporary measure pending further investigation and charges.

June 23, 2024: Formal Notification of Charges

NADA officially notified Bajrang Punia of the formal doping charges against him. This was a crucial step in the disciplinary process.

July 11, 2024: Challenge Filed

Bajrang, along with fellow wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who had also been involved in the wrestling community’s political turmoil, filed a legal challenge against the charges. Bajrang had also become a prominent member of the All India Kisan Congress and voiced his support for Congress party policies.

September 20 and October 4, 2024: Hearings

Multiple hearings took place regarding Bajrang’s case, with the ADDP reviewing evidence and testimony.

November 2024: Final Decision

The ADDP concluded that Bajrang Punia was accountable under Article 10.3.1 of the anti-doping regulations, resulting in the imposition of a four-year ban on him. This means Bajrang will not be eligible to compete in wrestling events or pursue international coaching roles during this period.

This four-year suspension is a major blow to Bajrang, who had been one of India’s top wrestlers, earning global recognition for his performance at the Tokyo Olympics and various international competitions. His ban will keep him out of major wrestling events and competitions, including the 2026 Asian Games and the 2028 Olympics.