New Delhi: Rio-bound wrestler Narsingh Yadav has reportedly tested positive for a banned substance and his participation in the Rio Olympics is under a cloud.

According to media reports, the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has found two samples taken from Yadav, who had qualified to represent Indian in the 74kg freestyle, positive for dope. The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) conducted a random dope test on Yadav on July 5 at the Sports Authority of India's (SAI) regional centre in Sonepat. The report of his 'A' sample test came out positive. Later, he was called for his 'B' sample test, which also returned positive.

According to a report in NDTV.com, NADA Director General Navin Agarwal confirmed that Narsingh's 'B' sample also tested positive for a banned steroid and he appeared before a NADA disciplinary panel on Saturday. "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," Agarwal said.

"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. Till then we will have to wait."

According to a report in The Tribune, the WFI brought this report to the knowledge of the Sports Ministry, which promptly asked NADA to conduct an urgent hearing into the matter as WFI sensed some conspiracy behind it.

As a precautionary measure, WFI has stopped Yadav from travelling with the other Rio-bound men's freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestlers to Georgia on July 25 for a fortnight-long training-cum-competition programme, it has been learnt. The wrestlers were scheduled to leave for Rio directly from Georgia. It has also been learnt that Yadav's Rio Olympics accreditation card has also been recalled by WFI from the wrestler as the NADA hearing is on.
Meanwhile, the Sports Ministry in a press release also confirmed that a wrestler has failed a dope test even though it desisted from giving out Yadav's name.

"One wrestler has been detected by National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) as dope positive. An Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel(ADDP) has been constituted by NADA under its rules for hearing the case. Its first hearing was held on Friday in which the wrestler was given an opportunity to defend himself," it said in a release.

"After the hearing, the panel has asked NADA for some further reports. After these reports are received, the panel would hold further hearing in the matter. ADDP is headed by a legal expert and includes doctors and sportspersons. NADA is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to check doping in sports.
"India is committed to the World Anti-Doping code and follows prescribed procedures. Government does not interfere in the day-to-day functioning of NADA and is committed to total transparency and objectivity in matters relating to doping," it added.