Tokyo Gold Medallist Pramod Bhagat's Paris Paralympics Hopes Dashed by Suspension

Tokyo Paralympics gold medallist Pramod Bhagat will miss the Paris 2024 Paralympics after receiving an 18-month suspension for breaching BWF's anti-doping whereabouts clause. Despite his claims of a technical glitch, Bhagat's appeal was rejected by the Court of Arbitration of Sport. The 36-year-old shuttler is devastated by the decision.

Tokyo Paralympics gold medallist para shuttler Pramod Bhagat has been dealt a crushing blow as he will miss the Paris 2024 Paralympics due to an 18-month suspension. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) announced that Bhagat breached the anti-doping whereabouts clause, leading to this significant decision.

The BWF confirmed on Tuesday that the suspension will prevent Bhagat, a 36-year-old SL3 athlete, from competing in Paris. Bhagat expressed his devastation, attributing the failed whereabouts notifications to a technical glitch. Despite presenting evidence, his appeal was rejected by the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS).

"My team and I have been proactive in appealing this decision, citing the technical issues that led to these failures. Unfortunately, despite our efforts, we have not been able to resolve this matter before the upcoming games," Bhagat said. The suspension is effective until September 1, 2025.