‘Whereabouts Failures Due to Technical Glitch, Not Intentional’: Pramod Bhagat On Paris Paralympics Suspension

The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic champion in para-badminton Pramod Bhagat has been suspended for 18 months by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) for violating anti-doping regulations, ruling him out of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

Bhagat’s suspension stems from three whereabouts failures within a 12-month period, which he attributed to a “technical glitch” rather than intentional misconduct.

Expressing his disappointment, Bhagat took to X to share his thoughts on the suspension, stating, “I am deeply saddened by the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and the Badminton World Federation (BWF) to suspend me from participating in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. I want to clarify that the suspension is due to three whereabouts failures within a 12-month period, especially the last one being a result of a technical glitch rather than any intentional wrongdoing.”

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— Pramod Bhagat (@PramodBhagat83) August 13, 2024

Bhagat further mentioned that he and his team had actively appealed the decision, citing technical issues, but their efforts were unsuccessful in overturning the ruling before the upcoming games. “We respect WADA, CAS and will abide by it, but this has been a challenging and emotional time for me as an athlete who has always competed with integrity,” he added.

Despite his suspension, Bhagat remains hopeful and expressed gratitude towards his fans, family, and the badminton community for their unwavering support. “Your belief in me is a source of strength, and I am hopeful that justice will prevail,” he said.

BWF confirmed Bhagat’s suspension in a statement, noting that the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s Anti-Doping Division found him in breach of the regulations on March 1, 2024. Bhagat’s subsequent appeal to the CAS Appeals Division was dismissed on July 29, 2024, and his period of ineligibility is now in effect.