Bajrag Punia Suspended By UWW
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Delhi
- May 11, 2024
- 50
Wrestling's global governing body UWW has suspended Bajrang Punia till the end of the year following the National Anti-Doping Agency's (NADA) decision to temporarily suspend him for refusing to undergo dope test.
However, in a surprising decision, despite being aware of NADA's decision, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) sanctioned an amount of around Rs 9 lakh for Bajrang's training abroad.
Bajrang, one of the country's most successful wrestlers, was suspended by NADA on April 23. He was earlier issued a notice for violation of residence rule on April 18. In his defense, Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist Bajrang had said that he never refused to give a sample for testing, but the dope control The officer was only asked to explain in detail about the 'expired kit' brought to collect the sample.
Bajrang said that he has not received any information about the suspension from UWW but the global governing body has updated its internal system clearly mentioning that he is suspended.
According to Bajrang's latest introduction, 'Suspended till 31st December 2024 due to the above reason.' It said, 'Temporarily suspended by NADA India for alleged ADRV (Anti-Doping Rule Violation).' Interestingly, the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) was informed in its meeting on April 25 that Bajrang has been sanctioned Rs 8 lakh 82 thousand in addition to flight fare (actual) for his proposal to train in Dagestan, Russia from May 28.
According to the information of MOC meeting, Bajrang's initial proposal was for 35 days training from April 24, but due to conflicting travel dates due to failure in accommodation rule, he decided to postpone his travel from April 24, 2024 to May 28, 2024.
The proposal also included travel to his strength and conditioning coach Kazi Kiron Mustafa Hasan and his training partner Jitender.
SAI Director General Sandeep Pradhan and TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme) CEO Colonel Rakesh Yadav did not give any reply regarding the decision to approve his training. Bajrang confirmed that he had sent the proposal to SAI for approval. He also said that his lawyer will reply to NADA. He said, 'I am surprised that SAI has approved it. I've actually canceled my plans. Now I am not going anywhere for training.