Paralympic Champion Pramod Bhagat Suspended for Anti-Doping Violations, Misses Paris 2024

Pramod Bhagat, Tokyo 2020 Paralympic badminton champion, has been suspended for 18 months due to anti-doping violations, causing him to miss the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Bhagat attributes the suspension to a 'technical glitch'. Despite efforts to appeal, his period of ineligibility is now in effect.

Following his suspension from the sport due to violation of anti-doping regulations, Tokyo 2020 Paralympic champion para-shuttler Pramod Bhagat expressed that the three whereabouts failures within a 12-month period were due to a 'technical glitch' rather than intentional wrongdoing. Bhagat is set to miss the upcoming Paris Paralympic Games after receiving an 18-month suspension for breaching the Badminton World Federation (BWF) anti-doping rules.

In a statement on X, Bhagat said, 'I am deeply saddened by the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and the BWF to suspend me from the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. The suspension is due to three whereabouts failures within a 12-month period, with the last one being a result of a technical glitch rather than intentional wrongdoing.' He further revealed that his team had been proactive in appealing the decision, but the matter could not be resolved in time for the upcoming games. Bhagat added, 'This has been a challenging and emotional time for me as an athlete who has always competed with integrity.' Despite the setback, he thanked his fans, family, and badminton community for their unwavering support, expressing hope that justice will ultimately prevail.

Pramod Bhagat's commendable performance in last year's Para World Championships earned him a gold and two bronze medals, while the Indian contingent secured a total of 18 medals. The BWF confirmed Bhagat's suspension, citing three whereabouts failures within a year, and stated that his ineligibility is now in effect. In addition, Bhagat's appeal to the CAS was dismissed, further solidifying the suspension period.