Trouble for Narsingh Yadav as WADA challenges clean chit in CAS

Indian wrestler Narsingh Yadav's Olympic campaign today hit a massive roadblock after the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) decided to appeal against the clean chit given to him by NADA in a dope scandal back home.

"WADA has appealed against the NADA clearance in Court of Arbitration (CAS). Now the hearing is on and the IOA Secretary General (Rajeev Mehta) is there with WADA officials," Indian contingent's chef-de-mission Rakesh Gupta informed PTI.

Narsingh was supposed to begin his campaign on August 19 but now faces the prospect of a career-ending four-year ban if the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) upholds WADA's appeal.

Narsingh had tested positive for a banned anabolic steroid -- methandienone -- in tests conducted on June 25.

The World Championships bronze-medallist had claimed that he was victim of a conspiracy by rivals, a theory that was accepted by NADA which exonerated him after a hurried appeal.

It was alleged by Narsingh that his food or drinks might have been spiked with the banned substance by rivals. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) had also backed him fully during the controversy.

The latest setback marks another chapter of turmoil in Narsingh's career. He had been in the eye of storm ever since he was picked ahead of double-Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar, who dragged the matter to court demanding a trial to pick the best man to represent India in the 74kg category.

The court as well as the WFI rejected his demand following which Narsingh's Olympic bid was derailed by the dope scandal.

He managed to get the NADA and WFI backing in time to board the flight to Rio but could well be grounded for good if WADA's appeal is upheld by CAS.