The wrestling world reels from news of Bajrang Punia’s four-year suspension. From humble beginnings in Khudan, Jhajjar, Haryana, on February 26, 1994, Punia’s path was paved with dedication. Training from age seven with family support, he advanced to Chhatrasal Stadium in 2008 and shone internationally since 2013 in 65kg freestyle.
A trailblazer, he’s the lone Indian with four World Championship medals. Tokyo Olympic bronze, Asian Games and Championship golds, Commonwealth medals galore. Prestigious awards: Arjuna (2015), Padma Shri, and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (2019).
Shockingly, NADA suspended the 32-year-old from April 23, 2024, to 2028 for not providing a doping sample. Though not retired, this halts his momentum. Punia’s journey—from village akhara to global podiums—now faces uncertainty, prompting reflections on athlete welfare, doping enforcement, and the road ahead for Indian wrestling’s poster boy.