Olympic medalist wrestler Bajrang Punia has refuted allegations that he refused to provide urine samples during selection trials in Sonepat in March. He claims that he merely requested an explanation from the dope control officials after they failed to provide adequate proof of carrying proper equipment.
Punia, who won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, stated that he had previously encountered issues with NADA officials. On two separate occasions, they had arrived with expired kits and only one testing kit instead of the mandatory three.
On March 10, when approached by alleged doping control officials, Punia sought an explanation for these previous lapses. However, he received no response. He then informed the officials that he would provide a sample upon receiving an explanation.
Instead of providing an explanation, the officials left the venue, claiming it to be a refusal from Punia’s end. He emphasized that he remained at the venue for an hour after the incident and met with the SAI doctor for treatment of a knee injury.
Punia also alleged that the DCOs did not follow protocol by leaving before he submitted his medical report to the competition manager. He believes that his actions were justified due to NADA’s past actions and the need to ensure compliance with doping control protocols.
“It is my moral obligation towards the wrestling community and particularly the younger wrestlers, that I exercised here,” Punia stated.
