Andloanjivi Bajrang Punia was once a celebrated figure in Indian wrestling. However, today Punia is a cautionary tale for aspiring wrestlers. The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) handed Punia a four-year ban for refusing a mandatory dope test during the national selection trials in March 2024.
This decision firmly places Punia on the shelf of “Has Beens”! He shall not be able to return to his wrestling career or apply for a wrestler coaching job! Netizens mock Punia’s ban as just a reward for placing his political andolanjivi career above sports!
Bajrang Punia – The Doping Violation That Triggered The Ban
The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has imposed a four-year suspension on Bajrang Punia for refusing to provide a urine sample during a dope test on March 10, 2024. Despite his challenge to the charge, NADA's disciplinary panel upheld the decision, citing a deliberate… pic.twitter.com/onYy8pPVCc
— Sportsmatik (@sportsmatik) November 27, 2024
Bajrang Punia’s troubles began at the trials in Sonipat on 10th March 2024. After an unexpected loss to Rohit Kumar, Punia allegedly stormed off without providing the required urine sample for doping tests. According to World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) guidelines, refusal to provide a sample is as severe as testing positive. NADA officials reported that Punia ignored multiple reminders and warnings. The initial ban on Andolanjivi came into force in April 2024.
Congress leader Bajrang Punia suspended for 4 years National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) over inability to provide test sample on time; the wrestler claimed test kit had "expired". pic.twitter.com/XogqojkP71
— NDTV (@ndtv) November 27, 2024
The agency stated that his suspension aligns with global anti-doping protocols, which mandate severe consequences for non-compliance.
Sonipat, Haryana: On receiving a four-year ban from NADA, wrestler Bajrang Punia says, "First of all, let me clarify that this is not shocking because it has been going on for the past year. The issue of the trial has been raised, and I have already mentioned that I never refused… pic.twitter.com/738Hacoy59
— IANS (@ians_india) November 27, 2024
The international UWW, that governs international wrestling, also upheld the NADA ban. Punia, however, contested the claims and got it temporarily lifted in May 2024. He alleged procedural lapses, expired doping kits, and other objections to raise questions about the integrity of the test. He also accused NADA of targeting him, fueling conspiracy theories about bias against him. Yet, experts and authorities maintained that his actions constituted a clear violation of anti-doping rules. Thereby, showing that his objections and grievances were just more of his activism than adherence to sporting rules.
Punia’s Declining Wrestling and Increasing Political Activism
Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia joining Congress was just a matter of time before Haryana Elections as expected.
Every Protest was well planned. They never achieved anything , Phogat got disqualified in Olympics two times. Their destination was never Olympic medals. https://t.co/agUQHDkb4c
— Tanmay Sutradhar 🇮🇳 🇮🇱 (@thetanmay_) September 6, 2024
This 4-year ban comes at a time when Punia’s athletic performance has been under scrutiny. His failure to qualify for the Paris Olympics was a significant blow to his career. Critics argue that Punia’s focus has shifted from wrestling to the life of an Andolanjivi.
They note his participation in protests and alignment with Congress shows that he now leans more toward politics than sports.
🔸Unfit but wants to play internationals
🔸For it, he compromises careers of worthy youngsters
🔸Tries to stop Olympics Qualifiers even though it may Disqualify Bharat#Modi Sarkar REWARDS him for it!SPINELESS Sports Ministry's APPROVED Bajrang Punia's request for FINANCIAL… pic.twitter.com/7wOat52gnW
— BhikuMhatre (@MumbaichaDon) March 28, 2024
Every Indian knows his involvement in protests against the WFI Chief and later against the IOC for Vinesh’s justified disqualification during the Olympics. These protests showcased his use of public sympathy to gain political power. Some speculate that Punia is more of an Andolanjivi than a sportsman for Bharat. His supporters argue that his activism highlights critical issues in Indian sports governance. However, detractors believe his actions have tarnished the spirit of sportsmanship.
A Broader Message: Accountability Over Politics
Good News for Bajrang Punia!
National Anti-DOPING Agency has suspended "wrestler" Punia for 4 yrs for violation of anti-doping code. Coaching also prohibited during suspension.
He can now focus on his REAL BUSINESS of Protests & Politics. Also eligible now to get medal from… pic.twitter.com/bCwatCs8q8
— BhikuMhatre (@MumbaichaDon) November 27, 2024
Bajrang Punia and his journey are a stark reminder that Olympic medalists are not above the rules. His ban highlights the importance of accountability in sports and raises questions about the intersection of athleticism, governance, and politics. For Indian wrestling, it is a time to reflect and rebuild.
For Punia himself, the challenge is even greater – he needs to choose between reclaiming his reputation & Legacy – ANd – quitting sports to further his Andolanjivi career!Â
Bajrang Punia's transformation from Andolanjivi Wrestler to Andolanjivi Farmer… pic.twitter.com/QHKsUaxEGK
— Kaustubh (@Kaustubh_SSS) September 8, 2024
This 4-year ban is not just a setback for Punia; it is a critical moment for Indian sports to reaffirm its commitment to integrity, discipline, and fair play. Only time will tell whether Punia can recover from this fall or if he chooses a life of political activism as his legacy!Â