Tokyo gold medallist Pramod Bhagat suspended, To miss Paris 2024 Paralympics
Athletes must provide specific location information for testing outside of competition, and may face suspension for non-compliance, as seen with Bhagat.
The current Paralympic badminton champion, Pramod Bhagat, has been suspended for eighteen months for breaking the BWF’s anti-doping whereabouts policy. With Pramod Bhagat suspended, he will miss the forthcoming Paralympics in Paris, which takes away from India’s chances of winning a medal. The suspension takes effect immediately.
One important component of anti-doping laws is the whereabouts clause. Athletes must give specific location information for testing conducted outside of competition. As was the case with Bhagat, suspensions may result from breaking this condition.
Indian Para-Badminton Coach Reacts to Pramod Bhagat Suspension
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) released a statement saying, “In 1 March 2024, the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) Anti-Doping Division found Bhagat in breach of the BWF anti-doping regulations for committing three whereabouts failures within 12 months.”
“Bhagat, an SL3 athlete, appealed this decision to the CAS Appeals Division. On 29 July 2024, the CAS Appeals Division dismissed the Bhagat’s appeal and confirmed the CAS Anti-Doping Division decision of 1 March 2024. His period of ineligibility is now in effect,” the statement continued. The suspension of Pramod Bhagat is in place until September 1, 2025.
“It is extremely sad and unfortunate,” Indian para-badminton head coach Gaurav Khanna told PTI, “He was a sure shot medal for India at the Paralympics but he is a fighter and I am sure he will come back stronger.”
Pramod Bhagat has been a staple in Indian parasports, particularly para-badminton. His accomplishments and commitment to the sport have served as an inspiration to many. Among the noteworthy accomplishments of his career is a gold medal from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics in the men’s singles SL3 division.
Bhagat’s significant achievements
Bhagat has won numerous gold medals at the World Championships and Asian Para Games in addition to his Paralympic accomplishments. His efforts have been essential in making India a major player in the world of para-badminton.
By taking home a sixth World Championship trophy in Pattaya, Thailand in February of last year, the 36-year-old shuttler tied the record set by China’s renowned Lin Dan.
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