Shot putter Inderjeet Singh fails dope test; cries conspiracy

Just a few days after wrestler Narsingh Yadav was caught for doping, another Rio Olympics qualified athlete Inderjeet Singh, a shot putter, has failed a dope test as his 'A' sample returned positive for a banned substance.

28-year-old Inderjeet, the reigning Asian Champion, tested positive for a banned steroid and he has been informed by National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). His out-of-competition test was done on June 22, sources told PTI.

The NADA has asked the Haryana athlete, who had won a silver in the 2014 Asian Games, if he wants to test his 'B' sample and if so, to do this within seven days.

If the 'B' sample also tests positive, he will have to miss Rio Olympics beginning August 5, besides facing the prospect of being banned for four years under the new WADA Code.

"This is a conspiracy and there is something wrong in it. This will be checked by the doctors though. I don't want to comment on it but whoever has tried to raise their voice in this country, they are forced to shut up," said Inderjeet.

"My sample has been tampered with. Why would a player take something which is not good for his health," he added.

Inderjeet said although it was too early to say anything, there was a campaign to shut his mouth.

"I am not in a situation to say anything right now but this is one thing which destroys a player in our country. I will defend it," he said.

"I have given dope test at least 50 times last year and this year too I am giving it everywhere. Even after that a campaigning is done to shut my mouth.

"I used to speak straight for the Indian athletes. There are many things happening with me for past one year. Media shows that I am running from dope test but I am not. It disturbs a player," Inderjeet said.

Inderjeet is one of those athletes who does not train at the national camps. He normally trains on his own with his personal coach.

He is one of the first track and field athletes who qualified for the Rio Olympics as he made the cut last year itself. He had a training stint earlier this year in the United States under funding of the Sports Ministry's Target Olympic Podium (TOP) Scheme.