Others

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 indefinitely suspended wrestler Bajrang Punia, potentially jeopardizing his participation in the upcoming Paris Olympics. Punia failed to provide a urine sample during selection trials on March 10, prompting NADA to issue the suspension.According to NADA's official release, Punia has been provisionally suspended from all competitions and activities pending a hearing on the matter. The suspension stems from Punia's refusal to provide a sample despite being informed of the consequences.Punia, a bronze medalist at the Tokyo Olympics, was among several wrestlers who accused former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment. The suspension comes as a setback for Punia, who was expected to compete in the selection trials later this month.In the absence of Punia, Sujeet Kalkal will represent India at the World Qualifiers in Istanbul on May 9. The suspension notice was addressed to the WFI's now-defunct ad hoc committee, rather than the federation recognized by United World Wrestling (UWW).Punia had previously claimed that he had expired dope-collecting kits, but disregarded the dope control officer's directive. The DCO's report states that Punia left the venue despite being informed that his refusal would result in a warning for breaking anti-doping rules.Punia has been asked to provide a written justification for his refusal by May 7. If he accepts the consequences, the case will be resolved without further disciplinary proceedings. However, if he disagrees, the matter will be referred to the anti-doping disciplinary panel.

The Delhi High Court is considering the formation of an ad hoc committee to manage the suspended Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). Justice Sachin Datta has granted the Union Sports Ministry another opportunity to clarify its stance on managing the federation's affairs after the dissolution of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) ad hoc committee.The court criticized the ministry for failing to file an affidavit explaining its decision to suspend the WFI and the circumstances surrounding the dissolution of the IOA's ad hoc committee. Justice Datta indicated that he may appoint an ad hoc committee if the ministry does not provide a clear explanation.The court's consideration stems from an application filed by four wrestlers, including Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Bajrang Punia, who sought directions to the ministry not to revoke the WFI's suspension. The wrestlers also requested the appointment of a one-man committee to oversee the management of the WFI.The IOA had dissolved its ad hoc committee on March 18, citing the lifting of the WFI's ban by the United World Wrestling (UWW) and the successful completion of selection trials. However, the wrestlers argued that the ministry's suspension order remained in effect.The ministry's counsel requested a week's time to file an affidavit, claiming that the response needed approval from the Joint Secretary, who was out of the country. The wrestlers' counsel alleged that the ministry's stance was dependent on whether the "ousted gentleman" (former WFI president Sanjay Singh) received a ticket for the upcoming elections.The WFI, represented by senior advocate Dayanan Krishnan, informed the court that a coordinate bench had issued notice in the federation's plea challenging the ministry's order suspending the elected executive committee.The IOA, in its affidavit, stated that it withdrew the ad hoc committee to avoid conflict with the Olympic Charter and UWW rules. It emphasized that the WFI's recognition by the UWW is paramount and that the NOC cannot interfere in the affairs of NSFs.The court has adjourned the matter for further hearing, awaiting the ministry's affidavit and the wrestlers' response.

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has resolved to operate independently of government funding if its suspension is not lifted. This decision was made at a Special General Meeting (SGM) held in Noida after the United World Wrestling (UWW) lifted its suspension and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) dissolved the ad-hoc panel managing the WFI.The WFI's suspension by the government stemmed from alleged rule violations during its election process. However, the UWW's decision to lift its suspension and the IOA's dissolution of the ad-hoc panel have paved the way for the elected office bearers to resume control.Despite these developments, the government has yet to lift its suspension. The WFI has unanimously agreed to operate without government funding if the suspension remains in place. This would mean that the WFI would be responsible for funding wrestlers' training, competitions, and foreign exposure trips.The WFI has also amended its Constitution to eliminate the requirement for a two-third majority for candidates contesting elections for new posts. This amendment simplifies the election process and allows for greater flexibility in leadership selection.Additionally, the WFI has removed the requirement for state associations to have recognition from State Olympic Committees (SOCs) for affiliation with the national body. This move aims to prevent misuse of the clause by suspended state bodies claiming legitimacy through SOC recognition.All state bodies have been instructed to adhere to the National Sports Code in conducting elections and functioning. Age and tenure guidelines must be followed by all affiliated entities.

Washington Capitals winger Tom Wilson has been suspended for six games by the NHL's Department of Player Safety for a high-sticking incident involving Toronto Maple Leafs forward Noah Gregor. The suspension, which is tied for the longest handed out this season, stems from an incident late in Wednesday's game between the two teams.Wilson swung his stick in a "reckless fashion," striking Gregor in the face and drawing a double-minor penalty. The league's video announcing the suspension emphasized that Wilson's actions were "not related to any sort of legitimate hockey action" and that he is "accountable for the dangerous result of the play."This is the sixth time Wilson has been suspended since 2017, and his first since a seven-game ban for boarding in 2021. He has also been fined three times for various offenses. The suspension will cost Wilson $161,458 in salary and will sideline him for upcoming games against Winnipeg, Detroit, Toronto, Boston, and Buffalo.Wilson's absence is a significant blow to the Capitals, who are currently battling for a playoff spot. He is the team's All-Star representative and has 17 goals this season, third-most among remaining players after the trade deadline."Huge absence in our lineup," said Capitals coach Spencer Carbery. "I don't need to go into length about what he provides our team from a leadership standpoint, veteran presence standpoint, what he does on the ice."Wilson, who signed a seven-year, $45.5 million contract extension that begins next season, is considered a potential successor to Alex Ovechkin as captain and face of the franchise. He will not be eligible to return until April.