Top wrestler Narsingh Yadav has tested positive for a banned substance and may miss out on participating in the coming Rio Olympics.
The 74kg freestyle wrestler, who bagged a bronze medal in last year’s World championship to qualify for the Olympics, tested positive for a banned steroid in an out-of-competition test conducted by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA).
NADA had collected Narsingh’s samples at the National camp in Sonepat a few weeks ago.
The Union Sports Ministry, without naming the wrestler, confirmed the positive result. “One wrestler has been detected by NADA as dope positive. An Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel (ADDP) has been constituted by NADA, under its rules, for hearing the case. The first hearing was held on Saturday, in which the wrestler was given an opportunity to defend himself.
“After the hearing, the panel has asked NADA for some further reports. After these reports are received, the panel would hold further hearing,” said a statement from the Ministry.
NADA Director General Navin Agarwal revealed the wrestler’s identity to some news agencies.
If Narsingh is found guilty by the disciplinary panel, then he may face a four-year suspension.
Narsingh has reportedly claimed innocence.
