As the Senior World Wrestling Championships approach in Albania this October, wrestler Bajrang Punia has challenged his suspension by the National Anti-Doping Agency in the Delhi High Court.
Punia argues that NADA’s suspension infringes on his constitutional rights to practice his profession and earn a living. He warns that if the “arbitrary” suspension is not lifted, he may be “forced to retire.”
On June 21, NADA suspended Punia for the second time and issued a formal “notice of charge,” barring him from training and competing. This came after an Anti-Disciplinary Doping panel had previously lifted an earlier suspension because NADA had failed to issue a “notice of charge” at that time.
NADA’s initial suspension on April 23 was due to Punia’s refusal to provide a urine sample during selection trials on March 10. The global wrestling body, United Wrestling World (UWW), also suspended him.
In his petition, filed through lawyer Vidushpat Singhania, Punia—who was a leading figure in last year’s protest demanding action against the then WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh for alleged sexual harassment—claims that NADA violated testing protocols by using expired test kits. He seeks a court order to suspend or quash the June 21 suspension, arguing it was issued without considering his explanations and evidence.
Punia’s petition stresses that the suspension could force him into retirement, particularly since the Senior World Wrestling Championships in Albania from October 28 to 31, 2024, may be his last major competition for two years. Without this opportunity, Punia fears he will have no choice but to retire from wrestling.
