Indian wrestler Narsingh Yadav fails dope test, Rio Olympic 2016 spot in jeopardy

Narsingh Yadav, India's leading contender in the wrestling (74kg) category has failed a dope test ahead of the upcoming 2016 Rio Olympics, putting his participation at the summer event in jeopardy. The wrestler has tested positive for a banned steroid with his Olympic accreditation being withheld for the moment.

The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) had conducted a random dope test on the wrestler on 5 July, before he left for Spain to take part in an invitational tournament as a warm-up ahead of the Olympics. Yadav's report of the 'A' sample came out positive, and the wrestler was asked to give a 'B' sample which also turned out positive.

"Yes, he (Narsingh) tested positive for a banned steroid. His B sample was also found to be positive. Narsingh was personally present when his B sample was opened," confirmed NADA Director Gavin Agarwal.

"He appeared before a disciplinary panel yesterday. The panel sought for more reports regarding the matter. We will proceed further and I am hoping that the panel will proceed quickly," as quoted by the Times of India.

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) stopped Yadav from travelling with other Rio-bound men's freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestlers to Georgia on 25 July for a 15-day-long training-cum-competition programme.

Narsingh's selection for the summer games has been a topic of debate among the wrestling community, as he was chosen ahead of Sushil Kumar. Yadav was chosen after winning the bronze medal at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing to secure the Olympic quota in the 74kg category.

When asked if Narsingh would miss the Olympics due to the test, Agarwal refused to comment, claiming that he would not speculate on such a serious issue.

"It is too early to comment in that regard. We will try to complete the whole thing quickly. I cannot speculate on that," he added.