Bajrang Punia moves Delhi High Court against NADA suspension

Wrestler Bajrang Punia on Tuesday approached the Delhi High Court, challenging his suspension by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA).

Punia has contended that with the World Championships — scheduled to be held in Tirana, Albania, on October 28-31 — approaching fast, his suspension should be lifted. The 30-year-old has argued that the agency’s conduct violates his fundamental right to practise his profession and earn a livelihood, stating that he would be “forced to retire” if the suspension is not lifted.

On June 21, NADA suspended Punia for the second time, issuing a formal notice of charge that rendered him ineligible to train or compete.

This came after an Anti-Disciplinary Doping Panel (ADDP) had previously revoked an earlier suspension, ruling that NADA had failed to issue a notice of charge.

The wrestler’s first suspension came on April 23 after he refused to provide a urine sample during the selection trials held in Sonepat on March 10. The sport’s global governing body, United World Wrestling, also suspended him.

In his petition, Punia, represented by lawyer Vidushpat Singhania, argued that NADA had violated testing protocols by using expired test kits and issuing a suspension “without application of mind and without even considering the explanations and evidence.”

Punia’s plea highlighted the urgency of his case, saying, “The Petitioner will be forced to retire from wrestling due to the arbitrary actions of the Respondent... The Petitioner may lose out on competing at the Senior World Wrestling Championships set to be held in Albania from 28th to 31st October 2024, which is the last major event that he shall have the opportunity to compete in for a period of two years.”

He has asked the court to suspend or quash NADA’s June 21 order to allow him to compete.