Today, On 10th September, Wrestler Bajrang Punia has approached the Delhi High Court challenging his suspension by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). Punia, a prominent athlete, has contested the decision, seeking relief from the court. The suspension raised concerns about its impact on his sporting career and future competitions.
New Delhi: Ahead of the Senior World Wrestling Championships set to take place in Albania this October, wrestler Bajrang Punia approached the Delhi High Court to challenge his suspension by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA).
Punia argues that the agency’s actions violate his fundamental rights to practice his profession and earn a livelihood, as guaranteed under the Indian Constitution.
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He further contends that,
“If the arbitrary suspension is not revoked, he may be forced into retirement.
Punia’s second suspension by NADA issued on June 21, along with a formal “notice of charge,” which prohibits him from training or competing. This decision came just three weeks after the Anti-Disciplinary Doping Panel (ADDP) lifted his initial suspension due to NADA’s failure to provide a “notice of charge.”
The wrestler first suspended by NADA on April 23 for refusing to submit a urine sample during selection trials held in Sonepat on March 10. Following this, United World Wrestling (UWW), the sport’s international governing body, also imposed a suspension on him.
In his petition, filed through lawyer Vidushpat Singhania, Bajrang Punia, who played a key role in last year’s protest at Jantar Mantar demanding the arrest of former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over alleged sexual harassment of seven female wrestlers, argued that NADA violated testing guidelines and protocols.
Punia sought the suspension or annulment of the June 21 suspension order, claiming it was issued “without application of mind and without even considering the explanations and evidence” he had provided.
The petition further stated,
“The present Petition is filed… by the Petitioner being aggrieved inter alia, by the illegal conduct of the Respondent i.e. the National Anti-Doping Agency of India whilst undertaking the sample collection of the Petitioner by using expired test kits and subsequently suspending him on arbitrary grounds.”
Punia expressed concern that the suspension could force him into retirement, stating,
“The Petitioner may lose out on competing at the Senior World Wrestling Championships set to be held in Albania from 28th to 31st October 2024, which is the last major event that he shall have the opportunity to compete in for a period of two (2) years.”
The Delhi High Court will now consider Bajrang Punia’s plea to suspend or quash the June 21 suspension order.
The case will likely set a precedent regarding how anti-doping violations are handled, especially in instances where athletes contest procedural lapses. If Punia succeeds in having the suspension lifted, he will be able to resume training and competition in preparation for the Senior World Wrestling Championships.
The outcome of this case will have significant ramifications not only for Bajrang Punia but also for the wider wrestling community in India, as it touches upon issues of athlete rights, anti-doping protocols, and the integrity of national sports governance.