Wrestler Bajrang Punia Challenges NADA Suspension in Court

Bajrang Punia has petitioned the Delhi High Court to challenge the National Anti-Doping Agency's suspension, hindering his participation in the upcoming Senior World Wrestling Championships in Albania. The court has sought NADA's response and listed the matter for further hearing in October.

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought the stand of the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) regarding a petition by wrestler Bajrang Punia challenging his suspension.

Justice Sanjeev Narula issued a notice to NADA on the plea, which arrives ahead of the Senior World Wrestling Championships scheduled for October in Albania.

Despite demands for interim relief by Punia's counsel, the judge noted no formal application had been submitted for the same. Senior advocate Rajiv Dutta argued that Punia was being persecuted just as the World Championship approached, emphasizing that he needed to practice.

The court questioned Punia's refusal to provide a sample for testing, asking how he expects to compete without undergoing tests. Punia's counsel cited concerns over the use of an outdated kit and has sought clarifications from authorities.

Meanwhile, NADA's counsel clarified that a disciplinary panel was already investigating the issue and assured that Punia was not being targeted. The court advised Punia to present his grievances before the panel and scheduled the matter for further hearing in October.

This legal development follows NADA's June 21 decision to suspend Punia for a second time, coupled with a formal notice of charge, making him ineligible for training and competition. This suspension came weeks after an earlier suspension was revoked by an Anti-Disciplinary Doping panel due to the absence of a formal notice of charge.

Punia was first suspended by NADA on April 23 for refusing to provide a urine sample during selection trials in Sonepat on March 10. He remains suspended by the sport's global governing body, United Wrestling World (UWW), as well.

His petition, filed by lawyer Vidushpat Singhania, contends that NADA's actions violate testing guidelines, protocols, and his fundamental rights to practice a profession and earn a livelihood under the Constitution. Punia argues that the arbitrary suspension could force him into premature retirement.

(With inputs from agencies.)