New Delhi: Accomplished wrestler Bajrang Punia has been suspended again by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), with effect from June 23.
Bajrang, first Indian wrestler to be ranked world No. 1 in any category and bronze-medallist in the Tokyo Olympics, had been suspended on April 23 by NADA for refusing to give his urine sample for dope testing after the Paris Olympics selection trials on March 10.
Taking cognizance, the United World Wrestling (UWW) also suspended Bajrang till Dec 31, 2024.
However, Bajrang’s suspension was revoked by a disciplinary panel last month because he was not issued a notice of charge.
Now, NADA has issued the notice of charge, thereby bringing back the suspension on Bajrang.
Bajrang’s lawyer Vishuspath Singania acknowledged receiving the notice.
“Yes we have received the notice and will certainly respond to it. Last time also, we had attended the hearing and this time also we will file our reply. He hasn’t done anything wrong, so will fight,” Singania told India Today.
Bajrang has to respond by July 11.
The 30-year-old wrestler, who was one of the faces during the months-long protest against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over sexual assault allegations, lost his 65 kg semifinal 1-9 in the Olympic trials to Rohit.
Bajrang left the venue in tears and didn’t return for the bronze medal playoff.
The unexpected loss all but ended Bajrang’s Paris Olympics dream.
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