NADA suspends Bajrang Punia ahead of Paris Olympic trials for refusing to submit dope test sample

The National Anti Doping Agency has suspended wrestler Bajrang Punia, a two-time Commonwealth Games champion.

Punia, who was defeated by Rohit Kumar in the March selection trials held in Sonipat, declined to submit the sample following the match.

Punia did not return, not even for the third-fourth place battle, despite attempts by authorities of the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) to get a sample from him for a dope test. Punia had received training in Russia in order to be ready for the IOA ad hoc panel-organized trials.

According to the sources, Punia won't be allowed to compete in any competitions or trials until his suspension is removed. If the charges are upheld at the hearing, he might also be denied access to the next Olympic trials.

Bajrang was a medallist in the Tokyo Olympics, therefore even though he lost the qualification match in India, he might be invited to the World Qualifiers on May 31 to take on the 65kg division champion.

According to the dope-collecting officer's report, he left even though he was informed that his refusal would result in a warning for breaking anti-doping rules.

"Punia, surrounded by his supporters, continuously repeated his statement and immediately left the venue refusing to give a dope sample," the DCO stated in his report.

Punia was asked to present a written justification by May 7 for his refusal to submit supporting documentation and a urine sample.

"If you do accept the consequences, the case will be resolved without further disciplinary proceedings, subject to the right of appeal. If you disagree, the matter will be referred for adjudication to the anti-doping disciplinary panel," the letter stated.

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