Bajrang’s temporary suspension has been lifted and he can now train and compete

CHENNAI: Interestingly, Bajrang Punia’s interim suspension for allegedly refusing to provide a urine sample during the Olympic wrestling trials organized by the now-defunct ad hoc committee was overturned by the Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel of the National Anti-Doping Agency. What seems intriguing is that NADA has not yet issued a formal notice of charges. By order dated May 31, 2024, ADDP requested NADA to lift the interim suspension until an official notification is issued.

The hearing panel further explained that “without going into the merits of the statements/explanations/justifications made by the Athlete in connection with his refusal to provide a Sample and the counter-submissions of counsel appearing on behalf of NADA, the Athlete’s provisional suspension is lifted pending NADA’s decision to issue a Notice of Formal Charge athlete for anti-doping rule violation, 2021

The order further stated that if “NADA decides to issue a Notice of Charge to the athlete, the matter will be expeditiously referred to the hearing panel for a final hearing.” It remains to be seen what NADA will do next. Vidushpat Singhania, a sports lawyer representing Bajrang, said the wrestler is now free to train and compete. “We also hope that after going through the statements given during the interrogation and the order, NADA will not file a chargesheet,” Singhania said.

However, the decision at the hearing mentioned some interesting facts. Bajrang feared that he would become a “target for actively participating in the agitation led by fellow wrestlers against their harassment.” The wrestler also argued that the bronze medal match was still scheduled to take place and that the drug collection officer/guardian approached him during the event and should have waited until the event was over. He also referred to previous experiences where the DCO came to his house with expired test kits.

However, NADA advisor (Manpreet Kaur) said that the player missed the bronze medal play-off due to injury. “The explanations given by the athlete refusing to provide the sample are unjustified and cannot be expected (sic! accepted),” NADA defended during the hearing. “The player was obliged, in accordance with the rules and regulations, to submit a sample for drug testing. “His name (Bajranga) was mentioned in the mission order… and the DCO/guardian discharged his duties only as per the rules and regulations.” NADA also revealed that the DCO who visited his house with the expired kit was suspended in December, two days after the incident.

Dutee’s 4-year ban upheld

NADA’s ADAP upheld the four-year suspension of 100m national record holder Dutee Chand by the Anti-Disciplinary Panel (ADDP) last year. The athlete tested positive for selective androgen receptor modulators SARMS (ostarin, Lygandrol and andarine) and was given a temporary ban in January 2023. Dutee argued that the drugs entered the body through supplements. ADAP has updated its list on the website.