Narsingh Yadav set to miss Rio Olympics failing dope test twice

Narsingh Yadav set to miss Rio Olympics after failing dope test twice. File Pic
Narsingh Yadav set to miss Rio Olympics after failing dope test twice. File Pic

Internet Desk: Indian Olympic bound wrestling team has a jolt after medal contender Narsingh Yadav failed his dope test twice. Yesterday the 74 kg freestyle wrestler failed the dope test conducted by NADA (National Anti-Doping Agency).

Narsingh was undergone a random dope test on 5th July at the Sports Authority of India campus of Sonepat. That time his sample-A was tested positive. Further he was called for the test of his B-sample. Yesterday it was also tested positive.

NADA director general Navin Agarwal confirmed that the B-sample tested positive for using a banned steroid. “Yes, he (Narsingh) tested positive for a banned steroid. His B sample was also found to be positive. Narsingh was personally present when his B sample was
opened”, said Agarwal.

Narsingh Yadav today claimed innocence, saying that the scandal is a conspiracy against him. “This is a conspiracy against me. I have never taken any banned substance,” said Narsingh.

However, he did not confirm his exclusion from the Rio-bound team. There will be a hearing of the Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel by which the fate of Narsingh will be decided. ADDP has been constituted by NADA under its rules for hearing the case. ADDP is headed by a legal expert and includes doctors and sports persons. NADA is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to check doping in sports.

Its first hearing was held yesterday in which the wrestler was given an opportunity to defend himself.  Yesterday the panel asked NADA for more reports. After these reports are received, the panel would hold further hearing in the matter.

“It is too early to comment in that regard. We will try to complete the whole thing quickly. I cannot speculate on that”, said Navin Agarwal. After the controversy Wrestling Federation of India restricted his travel to Georgia on July 25 for a fortnight-long training-cum-competition programme.

The Sports Ministry also confirmed of a positive dope test of a wrestler. However, they have named nobody. “One wrestler has been detected by National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) as dope positive. An Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel(ADDP) has been constituted by NADA under its rules for hearing the case”, the Ministry said.

Indian Ministry is not to entertain any flaw regarding dope test. It said, “India is committed to the World Anti-Doping code and follows prescribed procedures. Government does not interfere in the day-to-day functioning of NADA and is committed to total transparency and objectivity in matters relating to doping”.

Narsingh’s chances of going to Rio look bleak but even Sushil Kumar is set to miss the flight. “Decision on the representation in 74 kg is to be taken later but in all likelihood there would be no Indian representation in 74 kg category in Rio Games because the date of entry of the athletes is over,” the source added.