Exactly a year after a four-year ban was imposed on him by the Committee of Arbitration for Sports (CAS), wrestler Narsing Yadav spoke about the frustration of being forced to keep away from his sport.
He was speaking on the sidelines of a private wrestling competition — the K.D. Jadhav Memorial kushti championship.
He said: “A sportsperson lives for competition. There is nothing more frustrating than being asked to keep away from wrestling.
“You all know what happened and the inquiry is on,” he said.
Narsing had qualified for the Rio Olympics in the 74kg category when he returned positive tests twice in June and July 2016 for the steroid methandienon.
The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) cleared him, but CAS set aside the decision in August last year. He alleged sabotage of his food by teammates, but had no proof. A CBI investigation is on.
Narsing said: “I was framed. I have moved on, forgetting that incident as if it was a nightmare. I hope the CBI inquiry will clear my name.
“I am training on my own to keep in touch and will be ready as and when the nation decides to choose me for an international event.”
He replied in the affirmative about accepting an invite to return to the mat in future.
“It is a good thing that an event is being held in memory of Indian legend Khashaba Jadhav. Sangram Singh and other new wrestlers will fight. I will take part if needed since the cause is noble. If I get an opportunity to represent my country, I will take it.”
Narsing hoped the government and agencies responsible for organising National camps increase the vigil to prevent such sabotage.
“The government should pay attention to camps and increase security, so that other athletes are not shattered,” he said, adding: “I wrestle to win medals for India. I was close to winning an Olympic medal (Rio 2016). I hope justice is done and by 2020 Olympics (Tokyo) I am allowed to take part.”
Narsing was confident of wrestling improving on the Rio medal count at Tokyo (Sakshi Malik won a bronze in women’s 58kg freestyle).
“A medal at Rio was great. Vinesh Phogat got injured, otherwise she also was worthy of winning a medal. At this rate, three to four Olympic medals from wrestling is possible next time,” he said.
KD Jadhav meet
Commonwealth Games wrestler Sangram Singh has decided to launch a competition featuring Indian and foreign grapplers in New Delhi and Mumbai this year (dates and venues to be announced), named after Helsinki Games wrestling bronze medallist Khashaba Jadhav. He will fight an American and the day’s card will include four more bouts.
Khashaba’s son Ranjeet Jadhav, welcomed the initiative by the Sangram Singh Foundation. The main event will be six rounds of three minutes each.
