New Delhi: On Sunday, June 23rd, wrestler Bajrang Punia was formally issued a “notice of charge” by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) for refusing to provide a urine sample for a dope test earlier this year. Consequently, NADA has once again provisionally suspended him, following a previous suspension last month. The initial suspension had been revoked by a disciplinary panel because NADA had not issued a 'notice of charge' at that time. However, with the notice now issued, the suspension has been reinstated.
Speaking to media, Punia’s lawyer, Vishuspath Singania, confirmed, “Yes, we have received the notice and will certainly respond to it. Last time also, we attended the hearing, and this time we will file our reply. He hasn’t done anything wrong, so we will fight.”
Earlier reports indicated that Punia was provisionally suspended last month after refusing to provide his urine sample to NADA during the selection trials in Sonepat on March 10th. On that day, Punia suffered a significant 1-9 defeat against Rohit Kumar in the men’s freestyle 65kg semifinal. Following the loss, Punia refused to give his urine sample for a dope test and abruptly left the premises of the Sports Authority of India (SAI). Despite attempts by NADA officials to collect a sample, Punia exited without competing in the third-fourth place bout.
Punia had previously posted a video alleging the use of expired dope collection kits. He refused to comply with the dope control officer’s (DCO) order, citing that NADA officials had not yet addressed his concerns. The DCO’s report noted that Punia left the venue despite being informed that refusal to provide a dope test would result in a notice for violating anti-doping rules. The report stated, “Punia, surrounded by his supporters, continuously repeated his statement and immediately left the venue refusing to give a dope sample.”
However, Punia’s lawyer, Vidhusphat Singhania, successfully had Punia’s provisional suspension lifted when the Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel (ADDP) determined that NADA had erred by not formally charging him with a violation of anti-doping rules.
According to reports, NADA issued the latest order on Thursday, requiring Punia to respond to the suspension by July 11th.
Although Punia had received temporary relief, the ADDP had allowed NADA to officially charge him with refusing to provide a urine sample. In its May 31st order, the ADDP stated, “If NADA decides to issue a notice of charge to the athlete, the matter be expeditiously listed before the hearing panel for final hearing.” Bajrang Punia now has until July 11th to respond to the notice.
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