Today, he is accused of being a cheat after returning positive for an old banned steroid during an out-of-competition test conducted on June 25. This comes on the back of previous doping allegations lodged against Narsingh Yadav, another prominent athlete and potential medalist. “This is a conspiracy against me”, he said. According to sources, the doping is due to the administration of some “fancy-sounding” drug, although the name could not be ascertained.
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“I am a responsible athlete with an understanding of the country’s expectations and hopes on me”.
Sports Minister Vijay Goel on Monday said dope-tainted grappler Narsingh Yadav (74kg) can represent India in the upcoming Rio games next month only if the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) exonerates him. “Why would anyone take such high dose”, he questioned.
“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. He is someone who never shied away from dope tests”, Brij Bhushan said.
Gold-medallist in the Asian championships, Asian Grand Prix and the World University Games previous year, Inderjeet was the first Indian athlete to qualify for Rio and the hope of breaching the 21m barrier on his Olympic debut.
When the Haryana Police warned Narsingh Yadav of a possible threat to his life over a tussle with Sushil Kumar on who would represent India at the Olympics, little did the wrestler realise how grave it was.
“Narsingh complained in writing to us that a conspiracy has been hatched against him and I and the entire nation believe him because he has nothing to do with the substance”.
The WFI chief said Narsingh has a clean record and would be foolish to jeopardise his career by taking a banned substance just days before the Olympics. “Right now full inquiry is not complete so can’t say if Narsingh will go to Rio or not”, he added.
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It can be noted that India’s chances to name a replacement are quite slim as the final list has already been sent to the International Olympic Committee almost a week ago.
