Bajrang Punia claims he is victim of 'political conspiracy' after NADA hands him four-year doping ban

Indian wrestler and Olympic bronze medalist Bajrang Punia has labelled his recent four-year ban by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) a "political conspiracy".

Bajrang Punia, who has been vocal in supporting women wrestlers during their protests against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, claims the ban is a targeted move.

Speaking to ANI, Bajrang said, "All this is a political conspiracy as we stood by the women wrestlers... I want to say that I am ready to give a sample at any place."

The ban stems from an alleged refusal to submit a urine sample during national team selection trials in Sonepat on March 10, 2024. NADA stated that Punia left the trial venue without providing the sample, which is a breach of anti-doping regulations. However, Punia has refuted this, citing medical reasons for his departure and presenting evidence of a government-issued medical certificate to justify his actions.

"It is not shocking for me as I have been ensuring these things for the past year. Earlier, NADA had revoked my suspension after my appearance before a panel constituted by them. Now, by constituting another panel, a 4-year ban has been imposed on me," Punia said.

He further alleged procedural lapses, stating, "It never happens that a sample (for dope test) is taken between bouts during a tournament. But I want an answer on the expired doping kits."

Bajrang Punia also raised concerns over NADA's credibility, highlighting an incident from December 2023 where expired kits were allegedly used during a doping test. According to him, repeated requests for clarity on this matter were ignored, leading to distrust in the agency's processes.

The timeline of events surrounding the ban has added complexity. Bajrang was provisionally suspended in April 2024, but the suspension was briefly lifted in May after he contested it. However, NADA reissued charges in June, leading to the final ruling in November.

Bajrang maintains that his ban is politically motivated. "NADA is doing all this as we stood by the women wrestlers. It is straightforward that the government is involved in this," he claimed.

The ban sidelines Punia from competitive wrestling until 2028 and bars him from international coaching roles during the period. It also raises questions about transparency and governance in Indian wrestling and doping control.