New Delhi: Tokyo Paralympic gold medalist and para shuttler Pramod Bhagat has been suspended for 18-month by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) due to his failure to disclose his whereabouts. This suspension results in his unfortunate exclusion from the upcoming Paris Paralympic Games, as announced by the BWF on Tuesday.BWF stated that on 1 March 2024, the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) Anti-Doping Division ruled against Pramod Bhagat, finding him guilty of violating its anti-doping regulations.CAS appeals division rejects Bhagats pleaPramod Bhagat, an SL3 athlete, challenged the initial decision by appealing to the CAS Appeals Division. On 29 July 2024, the CAS Appeals Division dismissed the Bhagats appeal and confirmed the CAS Anti-Doping Division decision of 1 March 2024. His period of ineligibility is now in effect, the statement added.Notably, Bhagat had previously triumphed in the mens singles SL3 category at the Tokyo Paralympics, where he defeated Great Britains Daniel Bethell in the final to secure a gold medal.Early life of BhagatPramod Bhagat was born on 4 June 1988. He is an Indian professional para-badminton player from Bihars Vaishali district. He contracted polio at the age of 4, which left his left leg paralyzed. Despite this challenge, Bhagat developed a passion for sports, particularly badminton. He began playing badminton at 13 and his talent and dedication eventually led him to become a world-class para-badminton player.Early success in Badminton Pramod Bhagats badminton career took off when he won his first national title in 2006. He won multiple national and international titles, including the 2011 Asian Para-Badminton Championships and the 2012 German Open. Bhagats impressive performances earned him a spot in the Indian para-badminton team, and he became a dominant force in the mens SL3 category, winning numerous gold medals and setting the stage for his future Paralympic success.Gold medalist in International tournament Pramod Bhagats impressive career is highlighted by his gold medal wins in international tournaments. At the 2019 BWF Para-Badminton World Championships in Switzerlands Basel, Bhagat won the gold medal in the Mens Singles SL3 category.
