Pramod Bhagat Suspended for 18 Months, Set to Miss Paris 2024 Paralympics

Bengaluru, August 13, 2024:  In a significant setback for India’s Paralympic ambitions, Pramod Bhagat, the gold medalist in badminton at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, has been handed an 18-month suspension by the Badminton World Federation (BWF). This suspension, effective immediately, will prevent Bhagat from competing in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

The suspension follows Bhagat’s violation of BWF’s anti-doping regulations, specifically for failing to report his whereabouts three times within a 12-month period. The ruling, originally issued by the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s (CAS) Anti-Doping Division on March 1, 2024, was upheld despite Bhagat’s appeal to the CAS Appeals Division, which was rejected on July 29, 2024.

Bhagat, who competes in the SL3 category, has been a prominent figure in Indian badminton and a source of inspiration following his Tokyo victory. His suspension not only affects him personally but also deals a significant blow to India’s medal prospects at the upcoming Paralympics.

The whereabouts failures, a crucial element of anti-doping regulations requiring athletes to report their location for potential testing, led to this severe penalty. The decision underscores the rigorous enforcement of anti-doping measures by international sports bodies and raises concerns about the support systems available to athletes.

With Bhagat’s absence from the Paris Games, the Indian Paralympic Committee will need to adjust its strategy and look to other athletes to fill the void. The suspension highlights the importance of strict adherence to anti-doping rules and serves as a reminder that no athlete, regardless of their achievements, is above the regulations.

As Bhagat serves his suspension, the focus will shift to the remaining Indian parabadminton players, who will need to step up in his absence. While Bhagat’s supporters will be disappointed, the country’s hopes will now rest on other team members to represent India at Paris 2024. Bhagat’s path to redemption will be challenging, but there is hope that he will return stronger and more determined to the sport he excels in.