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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.

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.

Reetika Hooda, India's rising wrestling sensation, has etched her name in history by securing an Olympic quota in the 76kg weight division for the Paris Games. This marks the first time India will be represented in this weight class at the Olympics.Hooda's journey to the top has been marked by unwavering determination and a fearless spirit. She believes in facing the toughest opponents to achieve greatness. Her recent success at the Olympic qualifiers in Bishkek, where she overcame formidable wrestlers like Davaanasan Enkh Amar and Juan Wang, is a testament to her exceptional talent.National coach Virender Singh Dahiya hails Hooda as the brightest Indian talent in women's wrestling. He praises her physical strength and mental fortitude, noting that she remains composed even when trailing in bouts.Hooda's inspiration stems from Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik and two-time world champion Amit Elor. She admires Elor's technical prowess and calm demeanor during matches.Her coach at Chotu Ram Stadium, Mandeep Singh, highlights Hooda's positive mindset and unwavering belief in her abilities. He credits her with never shying away from strong opponents and constantly striving to improve.The turning point in Hooda's career came with her gold medal victory at the U23 World Championships in 2023. This triumph instilled in her the belief that she could achieve Olympic glory.Hooda's mother has played a crucial role in her success, providing unwavering support and meticulous attention to her diet and hydration.With her Olympic quota secured, Hooda's focus now shifts to winning an Olympic medal. Her unwavering determination and exceptional talent make her a formidable contender for the podium in Paris.

Chhatrasal Stadium Hostel Evacuated After Coach AssaultThe prestigious Chhatrasal Stadium in Delhi, renowned for its wrestling academy, has been rocked by a shocking incident that has led to the evacuation of the hostel. On Tuesday night, an international referee and coach, Jaiveer Dahiya, was allegedly beaten up by a trainee wrestler.According to coaches at the center, the incident occurred around 11 pm when a wrestler attacked Dahiya with sticks in the presence of his friends. The coach sustained severe injuries to his head and chin, requiring multiple stitches. The altercation reportedly stemmed from a dispute during training.Despite the severity of the assault, Dahiya declined to file a complaint, claiming he had fallen down the stairs. However, the stadium administration took immediate action, closing the hostel and ordering the wrestlers to vacate the premises.The incident has raised concerns about the safety and discipline at the stadium. In 2021, the Chhatrasal Stadium gained notoriety when junior wrestler Sagar Dhankar was murdered within its premises. Double Olympic medalist Sushil Kumar was arrested for his involvement in the assault.The stadium, operated by the Delhi government, is a multisport facility that also offers training in athletics, basketball, archery, and football. The wrestling academy has produced numerous national and international champions, including Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Ravi Dahiya.Following the hostel evacuation, only a select group of top wrestlers, including Dahiya, Aman Sehrawat, Deepak Punia, and Sumit Malik, have been permitted to continue training at the stadium. The remaining wrestlers have been asked to find alternative accommodations.The Deputy Director of Education (Sports), Manish Jain, has not responded to requests for comment on the incident. The investigation into the assault is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge in the coming days.

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) faces the threat of another suspension from the United World Wrestling (UWW) due to ongoing government interference. Ten days after the sports ministry informed the Delhi High Court that it would not recognize or support WFI, UWW has issued a stern warning.In a letter signed by UWW president Nenad Lalovic, the global governing body expressed its determination to uphold WFI's independence and autonomy. UWW stated that if the government imposes an ad hoc committee to oversee WFI's affairs, it would have no choice but to re-impose a temporary suspension on the federation. This suspension could extend to Indian wrestlers, potentially affecting their participation in the final Olympic Games Qualifying Tournament in May.The UWW ban would also draw the attention of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which may consider further action. This comes after WFI appointed an Athletes Commission in accordance with UWW's demand, with former Commonwealth Games gold medalist Narsingh Yadav elected as chairman.UWW had previously suspended WFI in August 2023 due to delays in holding elections. The ban was lifted in February, and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) reinstated WFI. However, the sports ministry has maintained its suspension since December 2023.In an affidavit filed with the Delhi High Court, the ministry stated that it would review the suspension only after visible improvement in WFI's governance. The ministry also declared that any national championships or competitions organized by WFI would be considered unsanctioned and unrecognised.WFI officials have expressed concern over the government's interference, emphasizing the need for autonomy. They have pointed out that UWW's potential ban on wrestlers would be unprecedented in Indian history.Meanwhile, Indian wrestlers' performance has been a cause for concern. At the recent Asian Olympic Qualifiers, only three female wrestlers secured quotas, while the male wrestlers failed to qualify.

India's hopes of securing an Olympic quota in men's wrestling at the Asian Qualifiers in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, were dashed after Aman Sehrawat, the lone Indian to reach the semi-finals, was pinned by Uzbekistan's Gulomjon Abdullaev in the 57kg freestyle category.Sehrawat, the reigning Asian champion, had a promising start, defeating Kazakhstan's Yerassyl Mukhtaruly and South Korea's Sunggwon Kim in the earlier rounds. However, Abdullaev proved to be an insurmountable obstacle.The Uzbek wrestler, known for his aggressive style, attacked Sehrawat's right leg early on and executed a single-leg takedown. He then threatened to run away with the bout by grabbing both of Sehrawat's legs. Despite Sehrawat's attempts to ward off the attack, Abdullaev secured a four-point duckunder.Sehrawat's coach, Lalit Kumar, attributed the loss to Abdullaev's superior experience and aggressive tactics. "Abdullaev was the only real challenger that Aman had," Kumar said. "He has always had a measure of Indians."Sehrawat's plan was to take the bout to the second period, where Abdullaev's energy levels typically decline. However, the Indian wrestler was unable to recover from Abdullaev's early attacks.Kumar also noted that Sehrawat was carrying a niggle in his groin and hamstring, which may have affected his performance.The defeat leaves India with no Olympic quotas from the Asian Qualifiers. The team will now have to rely on the World Qualifiers in May for their final chance to secure a spot at the Paris Games.

Indian wrestlers Deepak Punia and Sujeet Kalkal face a race against time to participate in the Asian Olympic Qualifiers in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, due to flight cancellations caused by heavy rains in Dubai. The duo, along with Punia's coach Kamal Malikov and physiotherapist Shubham Gupta, arrived in Dubai from Dagestan, Russia, on Tuesday evening but have been stranded at the airport since their flight to Bishkek was canceled.Punia, who competes in the 86kg class, and Kalkal, who fights in the 65kg category, were in high spirits and confident of securing Olympic quotas. However, their plans have been thrown into disarray by the flight disruptions."It's really unfortunate that they are in such a mess. They were raring to go to Bishkek," said Dayanand Kalkal, Sujeet's father and coach.The wrestlers have been forced to spend nights on the airport floor and their diet has been severely compromised. They are surviving on sandwiches and bread, which is not ideal for their weight management."Punia was 4-5kgs overweight as on Tuesday and he is trying his best to cut the extra kilos. They had planned to reach Bishkek two days before the trials which would have given him enough time to meet the weight," said Lalit Kumar, Punia's coach.Unable to train properly, the duo has resorted to using a treadmill at the airport for cardiovascular workouts.If they manage to board a flight on Thursday, they will arrive in Bishkek early Friday morning and will have to rush to the competition venue for weigh-ins scheduled at 8am. The bouts will follow later in the day."Even if they make the weigh-in, expecting them to make the final and earn a quota will be too much," said Dayanand.The wrestlers considered flying to India and then taking a direct flight to Bishkek, but all flights to India were delayed by at least six hours.Other Indian wrestlers, including Aman Sehrawat (57kg) and Vinesh Phogat (50kg), have already reached Bishkek. So far, India has only one Paris quota in wrestling, won by Antim Panghal in the 53kg division.

Indian Wrestlers Aim for Paris Games Quota at Asia Olympic QualifiersThe road to the Paris 2024 Olympics begins in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, as 17 Indian wrestlers, including two-time Olympian Vinesh Phogat, embark on their quest for quota places at the Asia Olympic qualifiers starting Friday.With 36 quotas up for grabs in 18 weight categories across freestyle, women's, and Greco-Roman disciplines, India will be represented in all but one weight category. Antim Panghal has already secured a quota in women's 53kg after her bronze medal performance at the 2023 World Wrestling Championships.The spotlight will be on Vinesh Phogat, a former Asian Games and Commonwealth Games medalist, who has been at the forefront of Indian wrestlers' protests against the former national federation president. Despite recent controversies, the 29-year-old will be eager to prove her worth and earn a spot in her third Olympics.Other Indian wrestlers to watch include Reetika Hooda (76kg), Anshu (57kg), Mansi (62kg), and Nisha (68kg) in the women's categories. In the men's freestyle category, Aman Sehrawat (57kg) will be the center of attention after defeating Tokyo Olympic medalist Ravi Dahiya in the national trials. Sujeet will lead the challenge in the 65kg category, while Deepak Punia (86kg), Jaideep (74kg), Deepak (97kg), and Sumit (125kg) will also aim for quota places.In Greco-Roman, Sumit (60kg), Ashu (67kg), Vikas (77kg), Sunil (87kg), Nitesh (97kg), and Naveen (130kg) will represent India.The continental qualifiers will feature no gold medal, repechage, or bronze-medal bouts. Instead, the winners of both semi-finals in each Olympic weight class will earn a quota for their countries at the Paris Games.