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Olympic bronze medalist Sakshi Malik has released her autobiography, "Witness," in which she shares her experiences as a wrestler and the challenges she faced throughout her career.Malik, along with Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, led a protest against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, in 2021. However, she criticized Phogat and Punia's decision to accept exemption from the Asian Games trials, stating that it undermined the credibility of their protest.Malik also revealed that she was molested by her tuition teacher during her childhood but kept it a secret. She struggled with self-blame and fear, which affected her early wrestling career. Despite her physical abilities, she lacked the confidence to confront opponents.During the WFI protest, Malik expressed disappointment with the political class and accused Babita Phogat, a former wrestler and current BJP politician, of having selfish motives. She alleged that Phogat aimed to replace Sharan Singh rather than solely advocate for the protesters' demands.Malik also shared that her parents took away most of her award money and opposed her relationship with fellow wrestler Satyawart Kadian. However, she stood her ground and fought for her love.Malik's autobiography provides a candid account of her journey as a wrestler, the obstacles she overcame, and the controversies that shaped her career. It highlights the challenges faced by female athletes and the importance of speaking out against injustice.

Wrestler Bajrang Punia Challenges NADA Suspension in Delhi High CourtWrestler Bajrang Punia has filed a petition in the Delhi High Court challenging his suspension by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). The suspension stems from Punia's refusal to provide a urine sample for a dope test during selection trials in March.Punia's counsel argued that the suspension is arbitrary and violates his fundamental rights. He claimed that NADA failed to follow proper testing protocols and that Punia had legitimate reasons for refusing the test. The counsel also highlighted the upcoming Senior World Wrestling Championships in Albania and urged the court to grant an interim relief to allow Punia to participate.NADA's counsel defended the suspension, stating that a disciplinary panel is investigating the matter and that Punia is not being targeted. The counsel emphasized that athletes cannot refuse dope tests and that NADA is committed to ensuring fair play.The court questioned Punia on his refusal to submit a sample, highlighting the importance of testing for the integrity of the sport. However, the court also acknowledged Punia's concerns and directed NADA to file a response to the petition.Punia's suspension has sparked controversy, with many questioning the timing and fairness of the decision. The wrestler has been a vocal critic of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and has alleged sexual harassment by its former chief.The outcome of the court case will have significant implications for Punia's career and the future of anti-doping in Indian sports.

The Delhi High Court has reinstated the Indian Olympic Association's (IOA) ad hoc committee to oversee the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). The decision came in response to a plea filed by renowned wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and her husband Satyawart Kadian.The court's interim order overturned the IOA's dissolution of the ad hoc committee, which was formed after the WFI's elections in December 2023. The court held that the IOA's decision was incompatible with the Union Sports Ministry's suspension of the WFI following the elections.Justice Sachin Datta rejected the petitioners' request to appoint a retired high court or Supreme Court judge as the WFI administrator. Instead, the court allowed the IOA to reconstitute the ad hoc committee with eminent sportspersons or experts who have experience in dealing with international federations.The wrestlers had protested at Jantar Mantar last year, demanding the arrest of outgoing WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh for alleged sexual harassment. They subsequently filed a petition in the high court to annul the WFI elections.The Sports Ministry suspended the WFI on December 24, 2023, for allegedly violating its constitution. The IOA then formed an ad hoc committee to manage the WFI's affairs. However, the United World Wrestling (UWW) lifted the suspension in February, prompting the IOA to dissolve its ad hoc committee on March 18.The court ruled that the UWW's lifting of the ban was unrelated to the Sports Ministry's suspension order and the formation of the ad hoc committee. It also stated that the Sports Ministry should not have adopted a passive approach that undermined its own orders.The court emphasized that the ad hoc committee will continue to manage the WFI's affairs until the Sports Ministry's suspension order is reviewed or recalled. It also noted that the Paris Olympic Games are over, and there is no reason for the ministry to delay a decision on the suspension order.

The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has once again suspended Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia for refusing to provide a urine sample for a dope test. This is the second time NADA has suspended Punia, after revoking his initial suspension on May 31st due to a lack of a "notice of charge."On April 23rd, NADA suspended Punia for refusing to give a urine sample during the selection trials held in Sonepat on March 10th. The World Governing body UWW also suspended him. Punia appealed the provisional suspension, and NADA's Anti-Disciplinary Doping panel (ADDP) revoked it on May 31st until NADA issued the notice of charge.On Sunday, NADA served the notice to Punia, stating that he is being charged with violating Article 2.3 of the National Anti-Doping Rules, 2021. Punia has until July 11th to request a hearing or accept the charge.Punia has maintained that he never refused to give a sample but only demanded to know NADA's response to his email where he sought an answer to why expired kits were sent to take his samples in December 2023.NADA explained that the chaperone/DCO had approached Punia and informed him that he was required to provide a urine sample. Despite several requests, Punia refused, stating that he would not provide the sample unless NADA replied to his email regarding the expired kits.NADA made it clear that if the Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) is upheld, it will seek "disqualification of results in the event during which the ADRV occurred, commission of the ADRV with all resulting consequences including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes." NADA may also recover financial costs associated with the ADRV or impose a fine.

The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has lifted the provisional suspension imposed on Olympic bronze medalist Bajrang Punia, who had refused to provide a urine sample after the selection trials in March. The Disciplinary Panel (ADDP) of NADA revoked the suspension until NADA issues a formal Notice of Charge to Punia.Punia had challenged the provisional suspension through his lawyers, arguing that he did not refuse to provide a sample but merely requested an explanation from NADA regarding an expired kit used to collect his sample in December 2023.The ADDP order stated that the provisional suspension was revoked "at this stage when Notice of Charge is yet to be issued to the Athlete." The panel emphasized that it had not yet considered the merits of Punia's explanations or the counter-arguments presented by NADA.Punia's refusal to provide a sample stemmed from his dissatisfaction with NADA's handling of his previous request for clarification on the expired kit. He had expressed concerns about the integrity of the sample collection process and the potential impact on his reputation.The ADDP's decision to lift the provisional suspension allows Punia to resume training and competition while NADA completes its investigation. The agency is expected to issue a Notice of Charge if it believes there is sufficient evidence to support a violation of anti-doping rules.Punia's case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in anti-doping procedures. Athletes have the right to question the integrity of the testing process and to seek clarification on any concerns they may have. NADA, in turn, has the responsibility to ensure that its protocols are fair and consistent, and that athletes are treated with respect.

Aman Sehrawat has secured India's first quota for the 2024 Paris Olympics in men's freestyle wrestling, triumphing in the 57kg division at the World Olympic Qualifier in Istanbul. The Asian Games medalist showcased his dominance throughout the tournament, comfortably winning all his bouts.In the crucial semi-final, Sehrawat faced Asian Games silver medalist Chongsong Han of North Korea. Despite a tight first period, Sehrawat's superior technique and relentless attacks proved too much for Han. He secured a 12-2 victory, sealing the Olympic quota for India.Sehrawat's success also provides a lifeline to Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Ravi Dahiya, who competes in the same weight class. The Olympic quota belongs to the country, and Sehrawat will likely have to win the selection trials at home to represent India in Paris.Sujeet Kalkal also impressed in the 65kg division, reaching the semi-finals before losing to experienced Mongolian wrestler Tomor-Ochiryn Tulga. However, the 22-year-old will have another chance to qualify for Paris in the repechage on Sunday.Sehrawat's journey to the Olympics has been marked by consistent progress. In 2022, he became the world U23 champion. Last year, he won bronze at the Hangzhou Asian Games and gold at the Asian Championships in Astana. Despite missing out on qualification at the 2023 world championships and the Asian Qualifiers, Sehrawat remained determined and seized his opportunity in Istanbul.Sehrawat's victory is a testament to the depth of talent in Indian wrestling. With Ravi Dahiya and Bajrang Punia also in contention, India has a strong chance of medaling in the 57kg and 65kg weight classes at the Paris Olympics.

Olympic medalist wrestler Bajrang Punia has refuted allegations that he refused to provide urine samples during selection trials in Sonepat in March. He claims that he merely requested an explanation from the dope control officials after they failed to provide adequate proof of carrying proper equipment.Punia, who won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, stated that he had previously encountered issues with NADA officials. On two separate occasions, they had arrived with expired kits and only one testing kit instead of the mandatory three.On March 10, when approached by alleged doping control officials, Punia sought an explanation for these previous lapses. However, he received no response. He then informed the officials that he would provide a sample upon receiving an explanation.Instead of providing an explanation, the officials left the venue, claiming it to be a refusal from Punia's end. He emphasized that he remained at the venue for an hour after the incident and met with the SAI doctor for treatment of a knee injury.Punia also alleged that the DCOs did not follow protocol by leaving before he submitted his medical report to the competition manager. He believes that his actions were justified due to NADA's past actions and the need to ensure compliance with doping control protocols."It is my moral obligation towards the wrestling community and particularly the younger wrestlers, that I exercised here," Punia stated.

Bajrang Punia, India's star wrestler and Tokyo Olympic medalist, has been provisionally suspended by the United World Wrestling (UWW) for an alleged anti-doping rule violation. The suspension stems from an incident on March 10, when Punia refused to provide a sample after the selection trials in Sonepat.The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) issued a notice to Punia on April 23, requesting a response by May 7. In his defense, Punia released a video on social media, questioning NADA's use of an expired sample collection kit in December.Punia's lawyer, Vidhuspat Singhania, confirmed that they had submitted a reply to NADA's notice on May 7. However, he expressed unawareness of the UWW suspension.According to UWW records, Punia's suspension will remain in effect until December 31, 2024. The suspension is based on NADA's provisional suspension for an alleged anti-doping rule violation.Provisional suspensions by anti-doping authorities apply to all competitions, both domestic and international, until the charges are resolved. International federations typically do not issue separate suspensions in such cases.The hearing in Punia's case has yet to commence. However, UWW rules allow for provisional suspensions in cases of anti-doping rule violations that do not involve an adverse analytical finding or a final hearing.Punia's suspension is a significant setback for his Olympic aspirations. He failed to qualify for the two Olympic qualifiers after losing in the Sonepat trials. India has yet to secure an Olympic berth in the 65kg weight class, which will be contested by Sujeet Kalkal in the ongoing World Qualifiers.If Punia is ultimately banned for refusing to provide a sample, his Olympic dreams will be shattered.In a separate development, NADA has withdrawn a notice of "three whereabouts failures" against Punia. Singhania clarified that the notice was issued in error and that it had been retracted.

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.