The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) on Monday threw its weight behind Narsingh Yadav, whose Olympic participation is in serious doubt after a failed dope test, saying the grappler is a victim of conspiracy.
Doubting foul play, WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh said the federation believes Narisingh is innocent and will support him to the hilt.
“The federation believes Narsingh is innocent. Injustice has happened with him and we are hopeful he will get justice. I will try my level best to help Narsingh get out of this problem so that he can represent India in 74kg in the Olympics and win a medal,” Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh said at a press conference in New Delhi on Monday.
The WFI chief said Narsingh has a clean record and it would be foolish to jeopardise his career by taking a banned substance just days before the Olympics.
“It is our duty to protect Narsingh and all our wrestlers. Narsingh’s record is clean. He is someone who never shied away from dope tests,” Mr. Bhushan said.
“Narsingh complained in writing to us that a conspiracy has been hatched against him and the entire nation and I believe him because he has nothing to do with the substance.”
Narsingh, who was picked ahead of the double Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar to represent India at the Rio Games in, has been handed provisional suspension after he tested positive for a banned substance.
On the basis of Narsingh bagging the 74kg Olympic quota berth with a World Championships bronze last year, the WFI had named him to represent India at the Rio Games and Sushil’s demands for a trial were rejected by the Federation as well as the Delhi High Court after a lengthy legal battle.
Mr. Bhushan hoped Narsingh would get a clean chit in the final NADA hearing on Wednesday, the result of which is expected the next day.
“The NADA committee formed to hear the case will hold its final hearing on Wednesday. I hope they will examine all aspects and on Thursday I hope we will get the clear picture,” he said.
For the time being, the 26-year-old wrestler’s Olympics accreditation has also been withheld.
