Haryana has long been synonymous with wrestling prowess, and Bajrang Punia embodies its unyielding spirit. Hailing from Khudan in Jhajjar on February 26, 1994, he gripped the wrestling mat at age seven, backed by paternal support. By 2008, he was training at Delhi’s Chhatrasal Stadium, transitioning to global stages from 2013 onwards in the 65kg freestyle division.
His achievements are staggering: the unique distinction of four World Wrestling Championship medals as the only Indian to do so. Tokyo Olympics bronze, Asian Games golds and silvers, multiple Asian Championship medals, and Commonwealth dominance with golds in 2014, 2018, and 2022. Honors followed swiftly—Arjuna in 2015, Padma Shri and Khel Ratna in 2019.
Yet, controversy struck. NADA imposed a four-year suspension on the 32-year-old from April 23, 2024, to April 22, 2028, citing refusal to give a doping sample. Punia, who hasn’t retired, faces a battle to reclaim his spot. This saga highlights doping challenges in Indian sports, testing the resilience of a champion who elevated the nation’s wrestling legacy to new heights.