Paris Paralympics 2024: Pramod Bhagat suspended for breaching anti-doping regulations

Tokyo Paralympics gold medallist para shuttler Pramod Bhagat is set to miss the Paris Paralympics 2024 after being found guilty of breaching the BWF anti-doping regulations. Pramod Bhagat has now appealed this decision to the CAS Appeals Division. A statement from BWF on Tuesday, August 13 morning confirmed Bhagat’s ineligibility to participate in the 2024 Paris Paralympics. The 2024 Summer Paralympics will take place from August 28 to September 8. The 11-day competition will kick off just two weeks after the Olympics concluded on Sunday, August 11. Pramod Bhagat made history by winning the men’s singles SL3 category gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. It was the first time an Indian had won a gold medal in badminton at the Paralympics.

Pramod Bhagat to miss Paris Paralympics 2024 for breaching anti-doping regulations

Star Indian shuttler and Paralympic gold medallist, Pramod Bhagat was handed an 18-month suspension due to anti-doping regulation violations on Tuesday, August 13. The gold medallist from the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, Bhagat will now miss the upcoming 2024 Paris Paralympics after the Indian athlete was found guilty of three whereabouts failures. The news came just after the conclusion of the Paris Olympics 2024 and ahead of the 2024 Paralympics Games, which are set to be played from August 28 to September 8 in Paris. Just days after the completion of Paris Olympics 2024, a statement from BWF on Tuesday, August 13 morning confirmed Pramod Bhagat's ineligibility to participate in the Paris Paralympics 2024.

Case of Pramod Bhagat - Suspended for breaching anti-doping regulations

UPDATE: Indian #Parabadminton #Tokyo2020 gold medallist Pramod Bhagat suspended for 18 months for breaching BWF anti-doping regulations with three whereabouts failures within 12 months. #Paris2024 #Paralympicshttps://t.co/YLdD7BWI5N

— BWF (@bwfmedia) August 13, 2024

"This is to inform you about the outcome of an anti-doping case involving a Para badminton player from India, Mr Pramod Bhagat. Through a decision issued on March 1, the CAS Anti-Doping Division found that Mr Bhagat had breached Article 2.4 (“Whereabouts”) of the BWF Anti-Doping Regulations, having committed three whereabouts failures within 12 months. As a consequence, he was imposed a period of ineligibility of 18 months until September 1, 2025. Mr Bhagat appealed this decision to the CAS Appeals Division. On 29 July 2024, the CAS Appeals Division dismissed the player’s appeal and confirmed the CAS Anti-Doping Division decision of March 1. Accordingly, Mr Bhagat’s period of ineligibility is now confirmed. The BWF Barred List will shortly be updated to reflect this sanction. The CAS Appeals Division decision will be published once it is issued," read the statement.

Vinesh Phogat vs United World Wrestling case hearing at CAS

The all-important hearing in the Vinesh Phogat vs United World Wrestling case was conducted over two rounds. The entire story from Vinesh’s perspective was presented by both the Indian and French lawyers working with Vinesh Phogat on this case. According to reports, Indian lawyer Harish Salve gave his all having spoken for over an hour. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) remained hopeful of a positive resolution of wrestler Vinesh Phogat's application before the Ad hoc Division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport CAS against her failed weigh-in on the second day ahead of her Women’s Wrestling 50kg final in the Paris Olympics 2024.

The Ad hoc Division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said that a decision can be expected after the Paris Olympics 2024 on Tuesday, August 13. Reacting to the current situation, International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach on Friday said he has a "certain understanding" for Vinesh Phogat but also wondered where one would draw the line after allowing small concessions in situations like hers. While Vinesh Phogat and 1.4 billion people wait for her verdict, Pramod Bhagat is set to miss the Paris Paralympics 2024 after being found guilty of breaching the BWF anti-doping regulations. Pramod Bhagat has now appealed this decision to the CAS Appeals Division.

When is the Paris Paralympics 2024?

The Paris Paralympics 2024 will run from August 28 to September 8, with the Opening Ceremony on Wednesday, August 28. The Paralympics begins on Thursday, August 29. In this edition, there are 22 sports in 23 disciplines and a total of 549 events. Fans can catch 16 sports in action on Saturday, August 31.