New Delhi: Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist wrestler Bajrang Punia has been suspended. Punia was suspended by the National Anti-Doping Agency. The reason for the action was the refusal to provide samples to the anti-doping agency during the trials. Punia was asked to give the sample on March 10.
The agency took action against Punia because she was not ready for the doping test during the trials held in Sonipat. After losing to Rohit Kumar in the trials, Punia was angry and left the sports authority center where the trials were held. The National Anti-Doping Agency tried to collect Punia’s test samples but Punia refused.
The agency asked Punia for the samples on March 10. NADA then informed the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). After discussions between the two agencies, NADA sent a notice to Punia on April 23. NADA has been given time till May 7 to respond to the notice.
Punia will not be able to participate in any tournament or trials until the suspension is lifted. If the suspension continues, Punia will have to stay away from the trials for the Olympics. Even if she fails in the qualifiers in India, Punia may be invited to participate in the May 31 trials as a medalist at the Tokyo Olympics if her suspension is lifted.
