Decision on 'dope-tainted' Narsingh likely by today evening

The decision on dope-tainted wrestler Narsingh Yadav is likely to be out by 6pm on Saturday, according to National Anti-Doping Agency director general Navin Agarwal.

The disciplinary panel of the NADA had concluded its hearing on the 26-year-old grappler on Thursday, with its lawyer Gaurang Kanth suggesting that the verdict could be declared either on Saturday or Monday.

Following the conclusion of the two-day hearing, Kanth had told reporters that Narsingh had not been able to provide substantial evidence to justify his claims of conspiracy behind his positive dope test.

Earlier this week, Narsingh, who bagged the quota with a bronze medal finish in last year's World Championships, tested positive for a banned anabolic steroid on both his 'A' and 'B' samples. He has been provisionally suspended since then.

Narsingh's hopes of representing India at the 74kg event in next month's Rio Olympics received a further blow ahead of the hearing on Wednesday as he failed his second dope test conducted by the NADA on July 5th.

Meanwhile, Narsingh has cried foul play, claiming that his food had been spiked and has filed an FIR at the Sonepat Police Station against two fellow wrestlers.

WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh had also backed Narsingh's claims of a conspiracy, after his sparring partner and roommate Sandeep Tulsi also tested positive for drugs.

Following the positive tests, Parveen Rana was named as Narsingh's replacement to save India the quota place. The move has been approved by United World Wrestling.

Narsingh was selected for the Rio Olympics in controversial circumstances as two-time Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar had demanded for trials to determine who should go to the games. However, Narsingh was favoured for the same after fighting a lengthy legal battle with Sushil.