Rio bound wrestler Narsingh fails dope test

Rio bound wrestler Narsingh fails dope test
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Highlights

National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) Director General Navin Agarwal said Narsingh had tested positive for a banned substance and he appeared before a NADA disciplinary panel on Saturday. 

New Delhi: India's Olympic buildup was dealt a huge blow on Sunday as wrestler Narsingh Yadav, who was selected ahead of the celebrated Sushil Kumar, failed a dope test but insisted that the scandal that has jeopardised his Olympic participation is a conspiracy against him.

National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) Director General Navin Agarwal said Narsingh had tested positive for a banned substance and he appeared before a NADA disciplinary panel on Saturday. Sources said he had tested positive for methandienone -- a banned anabolic 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," the NADA DG said.

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, on his part, claimed innocence, saying that the scandal was a conspiracy against him.His coach and support staff also backed Narsingh, saying they suspect that his food might have been contaminated.“This is a conspiracy against me. I have never taken any banned substance,” he said.

London Olympics silver medalist Sushil Kumar, who had approached the court to persuade the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to grant him a trial against Narsingh to determine India's representation in the men's 74kg freestyle category in Rio, launched a stinging criticism of Narsingh.

Respect should be earned, not demanded,” Sushil posted on his Instagram account. “Respect comes to those who earn it, not to those who beg for it. Jai Hind,” the former world champion in the now disbanded 66kg freestyle category added.

Sushil's coach Satpal expressed his regret over the incident and stated that Narsingh's exclusion from the Olympic contingent will hurt India's medal chances in Rio.

This is a sad development. There are now only 10-12 days left for the Olympics and this will hurt our medal chances. Feeling very sad,” Satpal said.

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