India Faces Setback Ahead of Paris Paralympics 2024 as Badminton Player Pramod Bhagat Receives 18-Month Ban
India has received a major blow ahead of the Paris Paralympics 2024. On Tuesday, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) announced that badminton player Pramod Bhagat has been suspended for 18 months for violating anti-doping rules.
Due to this suspension, Bhagat will not be able to participate in the Paris Paralympics. Bhagat had won a gold medal in the men’s singles SL3 category at the Tokyo Paralympics 2020, defeating Great Britain’s Daniel Bethell in the final.
Pramod Bhagat Suspended for 18 Months Due to Anti-Doping Rule Violation
Pramod Bhagat has been suspended for 18 months due to a violation of anti-doping rules. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) reported that Bhagat failed to disclose his whereabouts on three occasions over the past 12 months.
The BWF stated, “On March 1, 2024, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) Anti-Doping Division found Bhagat guilty of violating anti-doping regulations. As a result, Pramod Bhagat has been suspended for 18 months and will not be able to participate in the Paris Paralympics. He failed to update his whereabouts on three occasions within a year.”
Pramod Bhagat’s Appeal Rejected; Suspension Effective Until September 2025
Pramod Bhagat had appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) Appeals Division, but the appeal was dismissed last month. The statement mentioned, “On July 29, 2024, his appeal was rejected, and on March 1, 2024, the CAS Anti-Doping Division confirmed the decision.
His suspension is now in effect and will last until September 1, 2025. It is important to note that the Paris Paralympics 2024 will take place from August 28 to September 28.”
Background of Pramod Bhagat
Pramod Bhagat was born on June 4, 1988, in Hajipur, Bihar. However, he later moved and settled in Odisha. Bhagat contracted polio at the age of four. He was inspired to play badminton after watching his neighbors play the sport.
