India’s Olympic medal-winning wrestler Bajrang Punia has been banned for four years after allegedly avoiding a doping test. The 30-year-old athlete, who won bronze at the Tokyo Olympics, was provisionally suspended for refusing to provide a urine sample to the national anti-doping agency in March. Punia denied the charges, claiming he did not refuse testing but was wary of an expired testing kit brought by officials. Punia was a key figure in protests against the former wrestling body chief, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who was accused of misconduct by several athletes. Punia believes the ban is revenge for his protests against Singh.
Wrestling is a popular sport in rural northern India, and Punia has received public support for his stance against corruption in the sport. Along with fellow protest wrestler Vinesh Phogat, Punia has joined the opposition Congress Party. India has been under scrutiny for doping violations, with the World Anti-Doping Agency reporting the highest number of drug cheats in the country in 2022.
Punia’s ban has put a spotlight on the issue of doping in Indian sports and raised questions about the integrity of the country’s anti-doping measures. The ban is a setback for Punia’s career, as he will be unable to compete for the next four years. Despite his suspension, Punia maintains his innocence and continues to fight for his reputation in the sport.
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