New Delhi, July 24: In what could be major setback to India's hope for an Olympic medal, Indian wrestler Narsingh Yadav's dream of contesting in Rio Olympics 2016 has reportedly hit a roadblock.
Barely 10 days before the start of the Olympics, the development came as a huge embarrassment for India as the 74kg freestyle wrestler failed a dope test conducted by NADA, a development which has cast doubt on his participation in Rio Games.
"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 (July 24).
"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," he added.
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."
The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) conducted a random dope test on Yadav on July 5 at the Sports Authority of India's (SAI) regional centre in Sonepat.
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 74kg freestyle. But Narsingh was favoured as he had earned the Olympic quota in the World Championships last year.
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.
OneIndia News
(With inputs from agencies)