Olympic medallist wrestler Bajrang Punia who was suspended for 4 years by NADA due to his ‘refusal’ to provide sample for dope test, said on Wednesday that it wasn’t shocking and accused the government of being vindictive. (File)
Olympic medallist wrestler Bajrang Punia who was suspended for 4 years by NADA due to his ‘refusal’ to provide sample for dope test, said on Wednesday that it wasn’t shocking and accused the government of being vindictive.
“It is not shocking because this issue about trial has been going on for last one year. I have said in the past too that I have not refused to give sample to NADA. When they visited my home to conduct the dope test, they came with an expiry kit (in December, 2023). I have also posted this on social media,” he told reporters.
“You can’t give expiry kit to any player and as far as I am concerned, my team was there, so they saw it. They came carrying expiry kits dated 2020, 2021, 2022. I gave my urine sample but then my team checked the kit and found out that it was expired. So we made a video of the kit and we mailed NADA, called them to inform about the mistake. But they did not accept their mistake,” he added.
The wrestler also said that this was the government’s way of getting back at him for his involvement in the protest against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a BJP politician.
“I also feel that because of our protest in support of the women wrestlers, they are trying to exact revenge because all the agencies are fall under the purview of the government. I have been competing for the last 10-12 years and I have given sample during all tournaments, during the India camps. But the government’s motive is to break us, make us bow down to them. If I join the BJP then I think all my bans will be lifted,” Bajrang said.
The suspension means that Bajrang will not be able to return to competitive wrestling or apply for a coaching job abroad, if he aspires to, till April 22, 2028.
(With agency inputs)
I’m Manas Ranjan Sahoo: Founder of “Webtirety Software”. I’m a Full-time Software Professional and an aspiring entrepreneur, dedicated to growing this platform as large as possible. I love to Write Blogs on Software, Mobile applications, Web Technology, eCommerce, SEO, and about My experience with Life.
