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Rio Olympics 2016: Narsingh Yadav Fails Dope Test, Participation Doubtful

National Anti-Doping director confirmed that Narsingh's 'B' sample tested positive for a banned steroid.
File photo of Narsingh Yadav.
Lehtikuva Lehtikuva/Reuters
File photo of Narsingh Yadav.

Barely 10 days before the Rio Olympics 2016, India suffered a huge embarrassment as 74 kg freestyle wrestler Narsingh Yadav failed a dope test conducted by NADA, a development which has cast doubt on his participation in the games.

National Anti-Doping Director General Navin Agarwal confirmed 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 on Sunday.

"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."Director General Navin Agarwal told PTI

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."

However, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) had told The Tribune that they would be surprised if 'anything of this sort had happened', regarding Yadav.

Injeti Srinivas of SAI, told The Tribune: "It would be sad for the country. It would be a shock at a time when the whole of India is celebrating the Olympic spirit."

Interestingly, Narsingh was selected for the Rio Olympics in controversial circumstances as double Olympic medallist Sushil Singh had also staked his claim to represent the country in 74 kg freestyle.

But Narsingh was favoured as he had earned the Olympic quota in the World Championships last year.

"Winning medals depends on a wrestler's ability, luck and God's wish. That apart, an athlete must stay grounded. We should not become complacent after winning. Humility is more important than a medal of any shade," Yadav had told The Times of India at the time.

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.

(With inputs from PTI)

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