In a big blow to India’s contingent at Rio Olympics, news emerged on Sunday that wrestler Narsingh Yadav has failed a dope test.
Barely 10 days before the start of the Olympics, this comes as a big embarrassment as Narsingh failed a dope test conducted by NADA, a development which has cast doubt on his participation in Rio Games.
National Anti-Doping Director General Navin Agarwal confirmed to PTI that Narsingh’s ‘B’ sample also tested positive for a banned steroid and he appeared before a NADA disciplinary panel on Saturday.
“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,” NADA DG told PTI today.
“He appeared before a disciplinary panel yesterday. The panel sought for more reports regarding the matter. We will proceed further and I am hoping that the panel will proceed quickly. Till then we will have to wait,” he added.
Asked if Narsingh will miss the Rio Olympics, Agarwal said, “It is too early to comment in that regard. We will try to complete the whole thing quickly. I cannot speculate on that.”
Narsingh, who was involved in a public spat with Sushil Kumar over who gets to represent India in the 74 kg, was seen as a big medal hope for India at the Olympics. Narsingh had to fight a lengthy legal battle with two-time Olympics medallist Sushil, also in the same category, to get the chance to compete for India at the Olympics.
Narsingh had secured the Olympic quota place for India last year at the World Championship in Las Vegas after winning a bronze medal.
It is not quite clear what this means to Sushil Kumar yet. Initial reactions suggest that some ugly days await for Indian wrestling.
Parth Jindal, head of JSW Sports, the organisation that backs Narsingh, took to Twitter to say there is a hint of controversy to this.
With PTI inputs