Narsingh's Rio hopes hinge on NADA panel's report, declares Sports Minister

Describing Narsingh Yadav's positive doping test as 'unfortunate', Union Sports Minister Vijay Goel on Monday declared that the embattled grappler will be able to rejoin the Rio-bound Indian contingent only if the National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) clears him.

"As of now, Narsingh Yadav has been provisionally suspended. He will be allowed to go to Rio only if the panel exonerates him," Vijay Goel told reporters here.

The 26-year-old grappler tested positive for a banned anabolic steroid, two weeks before the Rio Olympics. He was later called for his 'B' sample test, which also turned out to be positive.

Narsingh, who bagged the quota in the 74kg category with a bronze medal finish in last year's World Championships, will now appear before a NADA panel this week for the final hearing.

"NADA has found Narsingh's doping test positive. According to rules, an anti-doping disciplinary panel is constituted to submit its report on such cases and also allow athletes a chance to defend themselves," Goel said. "The panel has accordingly given the wrestler an opportunity. One of his two samples was tested in front of him and when that was also tested positive, he was told by the panel to give any representation if he has.

"He must have given some representation, which the panel will discuss in a few days. Above all, we want transparency in sports. I don't want any athlete to return from Rio due to this. And, therefore, our efforts will be to rectify faults within our system."

However, Narsingh alleged that a conspiracy has been hatched against him to ruin his wrestling career.

The Sports Minister also stated that they would proceed on the basis of the final report on Narsingh by the NADA.

Interestingly, 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.