Bajrang Punia, a Tokyo Olympics medalist, has been provisionally suspended by the National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) for failing to submit a dope sample during March trials in Sonipat, according to a source familiar with the matter who spoke to IndiaToday.in. Punia reportedly stormed out of the venue and refused to provide a urine sample following his loss to Rohit Kumar, leaving the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre abruptly without participating in the third-fourth place match.
NADA officials attempted to collect a sample for doping tests from Punia, but were unsuccessful as he had left the premises. He had been training in Russia in preparation for these trials, organized by the IOA ad-hoc panel.
It has been revealed that Punia's ability to compete in future tournaments or trials is on hold until his suspension is lifted. If the suspension is upheld during the hearing, he may also be excluded from participating in upcoming Olympic trials.
Despite his setback in the national qualification match, Punia, as a previous Olympic medalist, might still receive an invitation to the May 31 trials at the World Qualifiers to compete against the winner of the 65kg category.
The controversy began on March 10 when NADA requested a sample from Punia, which he refused to provide. Subsequently, NADA reported to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regarding the incident. Following extensive discussions between WADA and NADA, the latter was directed by WADA to issue a formal notice to Punia asking him to explain his refusal to undergo the test.
On April 23, NADA sent the notice to Punia, requiring a response by May 7. Sources indicate that Punia has not yet responded, leading to his provisional suspension.
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