"I am his personal coach and I know that he does not take dope"
Following his World Championship Bronze in 2015, wrestler Narsingh Yadav appears to be India’s best chance of glory in the 74-kilogram freestyle category at Rio 2016.
However his chances at Rio have been substantially setback after the 26 year-old tested positive to the use of an illicit substance.
Reports indicate the banned substance was methandienone, a strength and performance increasing anabolic steroid.
As the sole member of the team’s representation in this category it is not yet known whether Narsingh Yadav will be losing his place to compete.
Navin Agarwal, the National Anti-Doping Agency director general commented on the failed test stating:
“Narsingh was personally present when his B sample was opened. The panel sought more reports regarding the matter.”
The proceedings will no doubt be watched with scrutiny by Olympics reject Sushil Kumar, who lost out to Yadav.
Bronze at Beijing 2008 and silver at London 2012 makes Kumar India’s most successful Olympic athlete to compete in any individual category.
Both Yadav and Kumar were fighting for the 74-kilogram category after the 66-kilogram bout was cut from the event.
But a Delhi High Court ruled in favour of Yadav following his success in the 2015 World Championships.
Since Yadav’s fate is still to be decided, naturally there is no word yet on a replacement. Although Kumar would undoubtedly be the frontrunner to join up with the Indian team should Yadav be axed.
Controversially, Yadav’s coach Jamal Singh has discussed his certainty of the Olympic prospect’s ‘framing’ with the media:
“I am his personal coach and I know that he does not take dope.
“He is a wrestler, he was supposed to fight for our country and win, but he was being pressurized from all quarters. He will never do anything of this sort. This is a conspiracy against him,” claimed Singh.
All wrestling events at the Rio 2016 Olympics are scheduled to take place from August 14 to 21, 2016. Time will tell whether or not Narsingh Yadav can participate.
Loading ...