WFI President backs 'innocent' Narsingh Yadav

Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhusan Sharan Singh on Monday backed dope-tainted grappler Narsingh Yadav, claiming that he was framed and must be heard if he denied having taking any drugs.

"I believe Narsingh is an innocent guy. He can't do it. He has been tested so many times in the past also, and had never failed any test. I am sure it's a conspiracy," Singh told reporters here.

"We want justice for Narsingh. If he has said he did not take drugs, he must be heard. I hope the committee does justice to Narsingh," he added.

Singh's comments came after Narsingh's roommate at Sports Authority of India (SAI) in Sonepat, Sandeep Tulsi also failed a NADA dope test on Monday. This has come as a second big shock to India after Narsingh failed two dope tests, as reported on Sunday.

According to sources, both the grapplers have tested positive for the same banned substance.

"The fact that Narsingh's roommate at the camp has also tested positive for the same substance, it clearly looks to be a foul play. Both the wrestlers were consuming the same supplements as they were roommates. It arises suspicion," WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar said.

"There was a high quantity of steroid in the sample, which is hard to believe. It seems like a deliberate thing. Why would anyone take such high dose," he questioned.

Asked if anyone else in the camp has also failed the dope test, the official replied in negative.

"No. Only these two guys have failed it and this clearly indicates that something is wrong."

On Sunday, National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) director general Navin Agarwal confirmed that Narsingh's 'B' sample tested positive for a banned substance.

Narsingh, who managed to get the Rio ticket in the 74kg wieght category after a series of controversies with two-time Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar, had claimed innocence and said it was a conspiracy against him.

"This is a conspiracy against me. I have never taken any banned substance," he said.

The 26-year-old has been handed provisional suspension and virtually ruled out of next month's Olympics after his accreditation was withheld.

--IANS

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