Wrestler Bajrang Punia Challenges NADA Suspension in Delhi High Court

Delhi/Panjab Post
As the Senior World Wrestling Championships in Albania approach, renowned wrestler Bajrang Punia has taken legal action against his suspension by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), filing a petition with the Delhi High Court.
Punia contends that NADA’s suspension infringes on his constitutional rights to practice his profession and secure a livelihood, asserting that the “arbitrary” nature of the suspension could force him into early retirement. The suspension, announced on June 21, followed a previous suspension and notice of charge, barring him from training and competition.
This latest action by NADA came three weeks after an Anti-Disciplinary Doping (ADDP) panel had overturned the initial suspension, citing procedural errors. The first suspension, issued on April 23, was due to Punia’s refusal to provide a urine sample during a dope test at selection trials in Sonepat on March 10. The global wrestling body, United Wrestling World (UWW), had also imposed a suspension at that time.
Punia, represented by lawyer Vidushpat Singhania, argues that NADA has breached testing guidelines and protocols. He seeks a court order to suspend or annul the June 21 suspension, claiming it was issued without proper consideration of his explanations and evidence.