World-renowned wrestler Bajrang Punia and officials from the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) express concerns following Bajrangs provisional suspension by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). NADA suspended Bajrang allegedly for refusing to provide his urine sample during the selection trials for Olympic qualifiers held in Sonipat on March 10, organized by the Indian Olympic Associations ad-hoc committee.Bajrangs responseTaking to social media, Bajrang clarified his stance, denying any refusal to provide his sample. He highlighted an incident where he questioned NADA officials about using an outdated kit for sample collection. Bajrang announced that his lawyer would address the matter in due course, emphasizing his cooperation with NADA officials.Heres what he said:मेरे बारे में जो डोप टेस्ट के लिए ख़बर आ रही है उसके लिये मैं स्पष्ट करना चाहता हूँ !!! मैंने कभी भी नाडा अधिकारियों को sample देने से इनकार नहीं किया, मैंने उनसे अनुरोध किया कि वे मुझे जवाब दें कि उन्होंने पहले मेरा sample लेने के लिए जो एक्सपायरी किट लाई थी, उस पर उन्होंने क्या… pic.twitter.com/aU676ADyy3— Bajrang Punia 🇮🇳 (@BajrangPunia) May 5, 2024WFIs concernsThe Wrestling Federation of India raised concerns about the delay in communication from NADA and questioned the distribution of the suspension notice to a dissolved ad-hoc body instead of the federation. NADAs choice to communicate with a non-existent ad-hoc body instead of the federation raises operational questions, especially regarding athlete suspensions and event participation.Olympic implicationsThe suspension could impact Bajrangs participation in future Olympic qualifying events, potentially affecting Indias chances of securing quota places in the mens freestyle 65kg weight class.Varanasi incidentNADA officials were present at the Federation Cup in Varanasi to collect samples. Bajrangs suspension raises broader questions about communication protocols between NADA and sporting federations, impacting athlete participation and Olympic qualification opportunities.
