Maha CM Fadnavis hints at foul play in Narsingh doping scandal

Mumbai, July 27

Raising doubts on the possibility of foul play in the Narsingh Yadav doping scandal, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis hinted the wrestler may have been “tricked or framed”, while asking the Union Sports Minister to look into the case.

“There is a widespread belief that he has been tricked or framed by some vested interests however it’s difficult to substantiate the same without proper investigation,” Fadnavis wrote in a letter addressed to Sports Minister Vijay Goel.

India’s build-up to the Rio Olympic Games was rocked when medal hopeful Narsingh was found to have tested positive for a banned substance.

Narsingh, who was picked ahead of the double Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar to represent India at the Rio Games, has been put under provisional suspension.

Batting for the World Championship bronze medallist, who hails from his state, Fadnavis wrote to Goel, “You are aware that Mr Narsingh Yadav has been one of the most successful and award winning wrestlers from our country. We all were hoping that he will win a medal for our country in the Rio Olympics. It came to us as a shock that the result of his doping test was found positive for a banned substance.

“Looking at his past record and the way he was preparing for Rio Olympics, it seems impossible that this may happen. He has been taking utmost care in his diet and was under proper training in accordance with the international norms.”      

Soon after failing dope test for taking an anabolic steroid, metadienone, Narsingh cried foul and said he was a victim of conspiracy.

Fadnavis further said, “Hence I request you to kindly look personally into this case and to go into the depth of the incidence. The test may be conducted again and through scientific process, we should try to ascertain whether something has been done only with a view to make him fail the test.

“I sincerely hope that you would take the steps with urgency and give justice to the medal aspirant sportsman our country.”

Fadnavis yesterday told the state Assembly that “justice” should be done to players like Narsingh.

“Due to such episodes, genuine players like Narsingh Yadav are bearing the brunt. Justice should be done to him,” he said in the Lower House.  — PTI