Tokyo gold medalist Pramod Bhagat suspended, to miss Paris Paralympics
Tokyo Paralympics gold medalist Pramod Bhagat has been handed an 18-month suspension. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) confirmed the Indian para shuttler's suspension in a statement on Tuesday, August 13, 2024. This ruling will prevent Bhagat from participating in the upcoming 2024 Paris Paralympics, which will be underway on August 28. Notably, Bhagat's appeal against the decision was dismissed. Here are further details.
Bhagat found in breach of BWF's anti-doping whereabouts clause
The Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) Anti-Doping Division found Bhagat in breach of the BWF's anti-doping whereabouts clause on March 1, 2024. The BWF statement read: "India's Tokyo 2020 Paralympic champion Pramod Bhagat has been suspended for a period of 18 months and will miss the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games." It was clarified that Bhagat had committed three whereabouts failures within 12 months.
Bhagat's suspension effective until September 2025
Bhagat appealed against the decision to the CAS Appeals Division. However, his appeal was dismissed on July 29, 2024. The statement from CAS added: "The CAS Appeals Division dismissed Bhagat's appeal and confirmed the CAS Anti-Doping Division decision of March 1, 2024. His period of ineligibility is now in effect." This suspension will prevent Bhagat from defending his title at the Paris Paralympics.
Bhagat's achievements and coach's disappointment
Bhagat won a gold medal at the Tokyo Paralympics in men's singles SL3 category by defeating Great Britain's Daniel Bethell. He also equalled China's legendary Lin Dan by winning a fifth World Championships title in February 2023. Indian para-badminton head coach Gaurav Khanna expressed his disappointment over the decision, stating: "It is extremely sad and unfortunate. He was a sure shot medal for India"
