The Indian bronze medallist at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Bajrang Punia, said that the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) was employing antiquated and out-of-date equipment.
Bajrang Punia, an Indian wrestler who placed third in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, said that the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) was testing athletes for doping with antiquated and expired equipment. Punia revealed that he was visited by NADA officials for a test but that the equipment was out of date in a video that he shared on social media. The wrestler asked the authorities to investigate the situation after he displayed the vials and syringes that the officials were carrying. Along with the complete video, he also included a mention of NADA in his social media post.
“We should all view and think about this very important film. If protocols are not followed, how can one trust the system? How can one be confident that the entire process isn’t manipulated? Anybody, especially young athletes, can experience this. Please be aware of your doping rights and the procedures involved. We implore the relevant authorities to take the appropriate measures, and we ask the athletes to be vigilant and use extreme caution when undergoing such treatments,” Punia posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Punia is also audible in the video stating that he holds the officials not accountable.
A Delhi court had earlier granted Punia bail in a criminal defamation case brought by coach Naresh Dahiya, who had charged the top wrestler with damaging his reputation by uttering remarks during the demonstration against federation chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
Bajrang had claimed during the wrestlers’ protest that Dahiya lacked legitimacy to challenge the agitation because he was the subject of a rape lawsuit.
Following Dahiya’s motion, the court called Bajrang, who had just lost in the Asian Games and was expected to return without a medal.
“Bajrang skipped the first three hearings after requesting a waiver from having to present in person. He made a physical appearance today, and the court released him on bond. Following the proceedings, attorney Rajesh Kumar Rexwal, who represented Dahiya, informed PTI that the next hearing date was March 5.
