Bajrang Punia said that joining this political party would lift his ban

NADA said Bajrang violated the rules by refusing to give sample during selection trials for the national team on March 10

Suspended for four years due to his “refusal” to provide sample for dope test, Olympic medallist Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia on Wednesday said it was a vindictive move by the government which would quash the ban if he joins the BJP.

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NADA said Bajrang violated the rules by refusing to give sample during selection trials for the national team on March 10. The anti-doping body had first suspended the Tokyo Games bronze medallist wrestler on April 23 for the offence following which, the sport’s world governing body UWW had also slapped him with a suspension.

“It is not shocking because this issue about trial has been going on for last one year. I have said in the past too that I have not refused to give sample to NADA. When they visited my home to conduct the dope test, they came with an expiry kit [in December 2023]. I have also posted this on social media,” Bajrang told reporters. Punia, along with fellow wrestler and Olympian Vinesh Phogat, have joined the Congress Party earlier this year.

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