Narsingh’s Rio chances appear slim

Wrestler's defence sticks to conspiracy theory, decision likely today

July 27, 2016 11:22 pm | Updated October 18, 2016 03:11 pm IST - NEW DELHI:

Photo: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar

Photo: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar

Wednesday began on a positive note for Narsingh Yadav but by the time he walked out of the National Anti Doping Agency office late in the evening, his chances of finally going to the Rio Olympics had slimmed down a great deal following related developments in the case. Any decision on his getting a clean chit is likely only on Thursday when the NADA Disciplinary Panel resumes hearing in the matter.

Narsingh, represented by lawyer Vidushpat Singhania, appeared before the NADA Disciplinary Panel and stuck to the conspiracy theory. Even before the wrestler arrived for the hearing, however, news of his failing a second dope test for the sample collected on July 5 spread, even though for most people in the know, it was not a surprise.

“If the June 25 samples tested positive, it was expected that the next one too would do so. After all, it isn't possible for a steroid to wash out in 10 days,” a NADA official said.

However, the positive test — along with the fact that samples of the food supplements that were sent for testing also returned clean — raised doubts on Narsingh’s claims of conspiracy.

According to sources present at the hearing, the defence panel accepted at the outset that Narsingh had returned a second positive test and that the supplements too had come clean. “However, the defence stuck to the conspiracy theory even while admitting that it did not have any proof to substantiate its claims,” the source said.

Narsingh arrived amidst tight security at the NADA office with the media kept away even as a handful of supporters shouted slogans. He left similarly, jostling past the horde of assembled media and did not say anything though Singhania hoped to get a decision on Thursday.

“Today was our day for argument and the NADA would go tomorrow. We have to see if we will get a chance to counter after the conclusions of arguments. We are hopeful of an early decision but we will know only on Thursday,” Singhania said.

Mustafa Ghouse of JSW, which supports Narsingh, said clearing the wrestler’s name was the first priority at the moment. “We have put forth our case. I can't comment on what happened in there but we have full faith in the panel. Most important is to get him cleared because that's what we believe, that he is clean.”

Asked if the defence had sought an early resolution of the matter given the fact that the Olympics begins on August 5, Singhania said the case was already being heard in an expedited manner. “There are provisions under which Narsingh can still go to the Olympics but we will have to wait and see what the panel decides as the quantum of punishment,” he added.

Meanwhile, Narsingh formally filed a case of criminal conspiracy with the Rai police station, alleging his food had been tampered with on June 5 and naming 17-year-old cadet wrestler Jitesh as the accused.

Jitesh is the younger brother of Sumit, a 120kg grappler who trains at Chhatrasal Stadium which is also Sushil’s training arena. The case has also been brought to the NADA panel’s notice.

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