New Delhi: In what comes as a massive blow to India’s medal hopes at the upcoming Paris 2024 Paralympics, ace shuttler Pramod Bhagat has been suspended for 18 months for breaching Badminton World Federation (BWF ) anti-doping regulations. A BWF statement said that Pramod was “suspended for breaching BWF anti-doping regulations with three whereabouts failures within 12 months”.
The suspension means Pramod will miss the Paris 2024 Paralympics, starting August 28.
Pramod’s suspension comes as a huge blow for India, who will now be without the Tokyo 2020 gold medallist.
A BWF tweet said: “Indian Para-badminton Tokyo 2020 gold medallist Pramod Bhagat suspended for 18 months for breaching BWF anti-doping regulations with three whereabouts failures within 12 months. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) can confirm 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.”
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
Big blow to India’s medal hopes
Bhagat claimed a gold medal at the Tokyo Paralympics in the men’s singles SL3 category after edging past Daniel Bethell of Great Britain in the final.
The 35-year-old rallied in the Tokyo final to beat Daniel 14-21, 21-15, 21-15 in a thrilling contest that lasted for about an hour and 40 minutes.
Besides the Tokyp gold, Bhagat has three singles world championship titles to his name. He won the gold thrice in 2015, 2019, and 2022. He also has a men’s doubles in his kitty, which he won at the global championships in the 2013 campaign.
Paris 2024 Paralympics schedule
The 17th edition of the Summer Paralympic Games will be held in Paris, France, from 28 August to 8 September 2024. The 2024 edition marks the first time Paris will host the Paralympics in its history and the second time France will host the Paralympic Games after the joint-hosting of the 1992 Winter Paralympics by Tignes and Albertville.
Pramod Bhagat claimed a gold medal at the Tokyo Paralympics in the men’s singles SL3 category but he won’t be able to defend his title in Paris. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
