Wrestler Bajrang Punia Challenges Suspension by National Anti-Doping Agency

New Delhi, India – On Wednesday, the Delhi High Court issued a notice to the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) in response to a petition by wrestler Bajrang Punia. Punia is challenging his provisional suspension and a formal Notice of Charge issued on June 21, 2024, which seeks to ban him for up to four years.

Bajrang Punia, who has represented India since the 2013 Asian Wrestling Championships, has won numerous medals, including a bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and golds at the 2018 Asian Games and 2022 Commonwealth Games in the 65kg freestyle category. He has been a significant figure in the development of sports in India through his representation, advocacy, and activism.

Justice Sanjeev Narula issued the notice to NADA and requested a response, scheduling the next hearing for October 16. However, the court did not grant any interim relief. Senior advocate Rajiv Dutta, along with Vidushpat Singhania, represented Punia. Dutta argued that there is no provision for provisional suspension and questioned the use of an outdated kit for testing. He emphasized that Punia, aged 35, risks ruining his career if not allowed to compete in the upcoming world wrestling championship.

Punia’s petition seeks to suspend or quash the notice dated June 21, 2024, arguing that NADA imposed the suspension without proper consideration of his explanations and evidence. He also calls for an independent investigation into the use of expired kits and incidents on December 13, 2023, December 15, 2023, March 10, 2024, and April 6, 2024, citing rule violations and a suspicious cover-up by NADA.

Punia alleges that NADA has grossly violated regulations and guidelines, infringing on his fundamental rights and those of other athletes. He claims that NADA’s actions contravene Articles 19 and 21 of the Indian Constitution and that the agency has failed to follow proper procedures and maintain transparency.

Notably, Bajrang Punia was among the athletes and activists who protested against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former President of the Wrestling Federation of India, following multiple sexual harassment complaints against him in January 2023. Women wrestlers also participated in these peaceful protests, calling for Singh’s resignation.