Narsingh Yadav’s coach Jagmal Singh said on Sunday that the wrestler was being framed, and appealed to the NADA for fresh tests.
“I have seen him since he was 10. He just can’t do it. He has always relied on his natural diet to reach this level,” an emotional Jagmal said. “He has been tested so many times in the past also but has never ever failed. I am sure it’s a conspiracy.”
Asked who, he thinks, has conspired against Narsingh, Jagmal said: “A lot of people are against him. We are trying to find out who has done it, or on whose instructions.”
“I cannot name names because then I will be asked to prove it.”
“There were times when he would leave his drinks ring-side while practising. Even his protein supplements were kept in the room. Somebody could have tampered with it.”
Jagmal urged the NADA to conduct a fresh test. “And if he fails even that, we will accept it,” Jagmal said.
Jagmal said there were two tests conducted by the NADA, on June 25 and July 5, and on both occasions there was no hesitation from Narsingh to provide samples.
“My question is, when there was no competition scheduled and he was simply practising, why would he dope? Why would he take such a risk?” said Jagmal.
Meanwhile, Sushil Kumar’s mentor Satpal Singh hinted that the two-time Olympic medallist is ready to step in if need be in the Olympics.
“Narsingh is a very senior grappler, and he definitely cannot be ignorant with respect to doping matters. It definitely reflects badly on the country’s image,” he said.
“I can’t say whether Sushil can now go in Narsingh’s place. This decision rests with WFI and the sports ministry,” Satpal added.
Satpal insisted that after the Delhi High Court ruled in favour of Narsingh, Sushil had decided against appealing further as we all wanted Narsingh to concentrate on his training and bring the country a medal.
“Sushil decided not to approach the Supreme Court because we put country ahead of us. We wanted that someone should bring a medal for the country. If not Sushil, then Narsingh.
So, this news is very disappointing.” — PTI
Our Special Correspondent adds from Mumbai
Saying that Narsingh’s physique is based on hard work, Bharat Yadav, the wrestler’s childhood coach, too echoed the conspiracy angle.
“I was afraid he would be targeted. I did not expect those benefitting from his absence to stoop to this level,” said Bharat Yadav.
“From the time he won an Olympic quota place, he became a target for certain people.”
The coach, however, said he was optimistic about Narsingh’s mental strength. “He is a pehelwan, after all. I am more worried about his future. Wrestling is his life, and preparing for Rio was his mission. People who hurt him have hurt India.”
