Trouble for Narsingh as WADA challenges clean chit in CAS

Rio de Janeiro, Aug 16 (PTI) Indian wrestler NarsinghYadav’s Olympic campaign today hit a massive roadblock afterthe World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) decided to appeal againstthe clean chit given to him by NADA in a dope scandal backhome. "WADA has appealed against the NADA clearance in Court ofArbitration (CAS). Now the hearing is on and the IOA SecretaryGeneral (Rajeev Mehta) is there with WADA officials," Indiancontingent’s chef-de-mission Rakesh Gupta informed PTI. Narsingh was supposed to begin his campaign on August 19but now faces the prospect of a career-ending four-year ban ifthe Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) upholds WADA’sappeal. Narsingh had tested positive for a banned anabolicsteroid — methandienone — in tests conducted on June 25. The World Championships bronze-medallist had claimed thathe was victim of a conspiracy by rivals, a theory that wasaccepted by NADA which exonerated him after a hurried appeal. It was alleged by Narsingh that his food or drinks mighthave been spiked with the banned substance by rivals. TheWrestling Federation of India (WFI) had also backed him fullyduring the controversy. The latest setback marks another chapter of turmoil inNarsingh’s career. He had been in the eye of storm ever sincehe was picked ahead of double-Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar,who dragged the matter to court demanding a trial to pick thebest man to represent India in the 74kg category. The court as well as the WFI rejected his demandfollowing which Narsingh’s Olympic bid was derailed by thedope scandal. He managed to get the NADA and WFI backing in time toboard the flight to Rio but could well be grounded for good ifWADA’s appeal is upheld by CAS. PTI TAP PM SSRPM