Fought for place, now both can’t fight in Rio

Sabi Hussain

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 24

India will be without any representation in the 74-kg freestyle wrestling event at the Rio Olympics. Narsingh Pancham Yadav, one of Indian wrestling’s biggest medal hopes, has failed a dope test, confirmed National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) Director General Navin Kumar Agarwal.

The Tribune had reported on Saturday that Narsingh, who was picked ahead of double Olympics medallist Sushil Kumar in the 74-kg category, has tested positive after a random dope test was conducted on him at SAI’s regional centre in Sonepat on July 5. Both his ‘A’ and ‘B’ samples were found to be positive.

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The NADA DG said Narsingh Yadav has been provisionally suspended till the time NADA’s Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel (ADDP) completes its hearing. Narsingh faces the prospect of up to a four-year ban from national and international events as this is his first doping offence.

It is learnt that traces of ‘methandienone’, a banned anabolic steroid used to enhance muscle strength, were found in the samples. 

Narsingh appeared before the ADDP, which is headed by a legal expert and includes doctors and sportspersons, on Saturday. He has alleged a criminal conspiracy behind the failed test and has pleaded innocence. “This is a conspiracy to stop me from competing in Rio. I am innocent. I never took steroids,” said Narsingh, who won the quota berth with a World Championships bronze last year.

The panel is looking at his food supplements to ascertain whether the wrestler himself consumed the performance-enhancing drug or someone deliberately administered it into his diet. The panel will continue with its hearing on Monday to decide the quantum of punishment.

The Sports Ministry and Sports Authority of India (SAI) officials said Narsingh stands no chance to compete in Rio as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) have taken note of his offence. 

“Whether it’s a criminal conspiracy or not, it’s something which is an internal matter of India. The IOC and the WADA are not bothered at all. For them, Narsingh has failed a dope test. India has no option but to withdraw his entry,” said a ministry official.

Also, Sushil’s entry can’t be sent to the Rio Games organisers. The IOC rules clearly state that a replacement can only be allowed on health and medical grounds, if there’s any last-minute injury to the athlete. “In this case, there is nothing of that sort. The last date for sending entries was July 18. Sushil’s participation is not at all possible. He is nowhere in the picture,” the official added.

But, the big question remains that when the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) had got the report on Narsingh on July 16, why did they not immediately replace the name of Narsingh with Sushil, who had been practising hard for the selection trial against Narsingh before losing the court battle for Rio.

What has further worsened Narsingh’s case is that his sparring partner at the Sonepat centre, Sandeep Tulsi Yadav, has also returned positive for the same banned substance. Both used to have their meals together, along with following the same diet supplement chart.

“It’s very disappointing that an athlete of his stature, who was considered a medal prospect at Rio, has failed the dope test. SAI was aware that Narsingh could be harmed by some rivals when this entire selection controversy between him and Sushil erupted, but we thought it to be physical. We never imagined that rivals would harm in such a way. If the athlete is complaining about sabotage, then this angle must be probed. It’s sad that there would be no Indian representation in the 74 kg,” SAI DG Injeti Srinivas said.

Meanwhile, the WFI has raised fingers at a senior SAI official, posted at the Sonepat centre, for the entire conspiracy. But, the SAI DG rubbished the allegation: “It’s a wild and most nonsensical thing I have heard. It’s just not acceptable. This shows the frustration ad desperation on the part of the WFI,” he said.

‘Disappointing, probe sabotage charge’ 

It’s very disappointing that athlete of Narsingh’s stature, a medal prospect at Rio, has failed dope test. SAI was aware he could be harmed by some rivals when selection controversy between him and Sushil erupted, but we thought it to be physical. If the athlete is complaining about sabotage, it must be probed. It’s sad there would be no Indian representation in 74 kg —Injeti Srinivas, SAI DG