Paralympian Pramod Bhagat banned for 18 months for breaching anti-doping regulations

Pramod Bhagat will not be a part of the Paris Paralympics 2024 after being found guilty of breaching.

The Badminton World Federation’s (BWF) anti-doping regulations. The BWF confirmed the news on Tuesday, August 13. Back on March 1, the Anti-Doping Division of the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) found the badminton player in breach of the BWF anti-doping regulations for committing three whereabouts failures within 12 months.

Bhagat, who is an SL3 athlete, had appealed to the CAS Appeals Division, but his appeal was turned down on July 29, 2024. The CAS Appeals Division confirmed their decision on March 1. After the Olympics ended on July 26, the Paralympics will take place from August 28 to September 8 with the competition spanned for 11 days.

Pramod Bhagat’s historic feat
Pramod made history by winning the gold medal in the men’s singles SL3 category at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. It was the first time an Indian had won a gold medal in badminton at the Paralympics. Born in 1988, Bhagat developed polio at the age of five, leading to a disability affecting his left leg. Despite this, he was drawn to badminton at the age of 13 and went on to become a professional player.

Bhagat’s journey to the gold medal was marked by his determination and strategic thinking. He defeated Great Britain’s Daniel Bethell, the second seed, in the final with a score of 21-14, 21-17. Throughout the tournament, Bhagat demonstrated his dominance, winning all his matches and only dropping one game against compatriot Manoj Sarkar in his opening match.

The victory not only brought India its fourth gold medal at the Tokyo Paralympics but also marked a significant milestone in Indian para-badminton history. Bhagat’s achievement is a testament to his hard work and dedication, and he has become an inspiration for many aspiring athletes.