Tokyo Paralympics gold winner Pramod Bhagat suspended for breaching anti-doping regulations

Indian para shuttler Pramod Bhagat, who defeated Great Britain's Daniel Bethell in the men's singles SL3 category final at the Tokyo Paralympics, has been suspended by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) for 18 months for breaching the anti-doping regulations.

The Badminton World Federation (BWF), the world body for badminton, released a statement which read:

"On 1 March 2024, the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) Anti-Doping Division found Bhagat in breach of the BWF anti-doping regulations for committing three whereabouts failures within 12 months. Bhagat, an SL3 athlete, appealed this decision to the CAS Appeals Division. On 29 July 2024, the CAS Appeals Division dismissed the Bhagat's appeal and confirmed the CAS Anti-Doping Division decision of 1 March 2024."

As a result of this decision, Bhagat won't be able to participate in the Paris Paralympics which starts on August 28, 2024. Notably, Bhagat has been one of the stalwart para athletes for India over the past few years. He has won four singles world titles. In 2013, he also won a gold medal in the men's doubles event at the global championships. Moreover, he has also bagged the gold medal on two occasions at the Asian Para Games.

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Pramod Bhagat's coach opens up

Pramod Bhagat had been affected by polio at the age of five, which ultimately resulted in a disability on his left leg. India para-badminton head coach Gaurav Khanna, speaking on Bhagat's matter, said (via PTI):

"It is extremely sad and unfortunate. He was a sure shot medal for India at the Paralympics but he is a fighter and I am sure he will come back stronger."

Pramod Bhagat has won numerous gold medals in his career. The 35-year-old was also being considered as a medal hopeful in the upcoming Paralympic Games but his long-term suspension will now prevent him from taking part in the quadrennial event.

Notably, Manoj Sarkar and Nitesh Kumar will represent India in the SL3 category. Sarkar won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Paralympics, while Kumar won a silver in the individual event at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games and a gold in the men's doubles event at the same competition.