Wrestling’s governing body, United World Wrestling (UWW), has suspended Bajrang Punia until December 31, 2024, following the National Anti-Doping Agency’s (NADA) provisional suspension for refusing a dope test. Despite this, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) has sanctioned nearly Rs 9 lakh for Punia’s training abroad, despite being aware of NADA’s order.
Punia, a Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist, was suspended by NADA on April 23 after failing to provide a sample for testing. He claims he did not refuse to give a sample but questioned the use of expired kits.
The UWW has updated its system to reflect Punia’s suspension, stating that he is suspended until December 31, 2024, for an alleged Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV).
Despite the suspension, SAI approved Punia’s proposal for training in Dagestan, Russia, from May 28. The proposal included travel expenses for his strength and conditioning coach and sparring partner.
SAI officials have not responded to requests for an explanation for the decision to sanction Punia’s training. Punia confirmed that he had submitted a proposal to SAI but has since canceled his training plans.
In the same meeting, SAI also sanctioned training expenses for Sarita Mor and Anshu Malik. Mor will train in the USA, while Malik will train in Japan.
If the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) holds a final selection event, Mor will need to win to challenge Anshu Malik, who has already secured an Olympic quota in the women’s 57kg category.
