Indian wrestler Narsingh Yadav's coach Jagmal Singh reckons World Anti-Doping Agency’s appeal against clean chit will hit wrestler hard at his upcoming Rio Olympics event
India wrestler Narsingh Yadav
News from Rio about the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) decision to appeal against National Anti-Doping Agency’s (NADA) clean chit to Narsingh Yadav, who tested positive for a banned anabolic steroid — methandienone — in tests conducted on June 25, has sent shock waves through the SAI center in Kandivli and has deeply saddened his coach Jagmal Singh.
More Turmoil: India wrestler Narsingh Yadav. Pic/Getty Images
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“I just got the news and I am very disappointed to hear that WADA has now opened this dope chapter again which we had taken so much trouble to get over with. Narsingh’s event is only a few days away and his mind will obviously be affected by this WADA issue now,” coach Jagmal Singh told mid-day.
Jagmal Singh
“Our (Wrestling Federation of India) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh is in Rio so we are hopeful that he will be able to help Narsingh in this situation. But overall, I feel all this is absolutely unwanted. And this will definitely have an adverse effect on Narsingh’s performance in Rio,” the coach added.
Singh is frustrated that he is not by Narsingh’s side in this hour of crisis. “I feel so bad sitting here in SAI Kandivli. I could not go to Rio as I couldn’t file my visa papers on time as we were too occupied with the NADA inquiry here in India,” he said.
PTI adds: from Rio de Janeiro that Yadav’s Olympic dream was thrown into jeopardy yesterday after the WADA decided to appeal against the clean chit given to him by NADA in a dope scandal back home.
“WADA has appealed against the NADA clearance in Court of Arbitration (CAS). Now the hearing is on and the IOA Secretary General (Rajeev Mehta) is there with WADA officials,” Indian contingent’s chef-de-mission Rakesh Gupta informed PTI.
Four-year ban?
Narsingh was supposed to begin his campaign on August 19 but now faces the prospect of a career-ending four-year ban if the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) upholds WADA’s appeal. Indian Olympic Association (IOA) secretary general Rajeev Mehta said Narsingh’s legal counsel Vidushpat Singhania would fight the case through video conference at 9 am local time on August 18.
Decision on August 18
“We are left with two options; To take two-days’ time and fight the case or a time of one month for reply which would have jeopardised his career. His fate will now be decided on August 18.
“We will fight till the end,” Mehta told PTI. “We will reply on basis of merit, let’s hope for the best. This is the best option we are left with and now we are living in hope.”
The wrestler began his preparation at the Games Village with training under his coach but to his utter dismay there was more trouble brewing as WADA was not convinced with the clearance.
WADA’s appeal had come two days ago, Gupta said.
“They were not convinced by the NADA clearance so they challenged it in the CAS. The hearing will determine his fate,” Gupta said.
Narsingh had tested positive for a banned anabolic steroid — methandienone — in tests conducted on June 25.
The World Championships bronze-medallist had claimed that he was victim of a conspiracy by rivals, a theory that was accepted by NADA which exonerated him after a hurried appeal.
It was alleged by Narsingh that his food or drinks might have been spiked with the banned substance by rivals.
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) had also backed him. The latest setback marks another chapter of turmoil in Narsingh’s career.
He had been in the eye of storm ever since he was picked ahead of double-Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar.
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