The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) on Wednesday confirmed that they have named Praveen Rana as replacement for embattled wrestler Narsingh Yadav, who was tested positive for a banned substance, for the next month's Rio Olympics if the latter fails to get a clean chit from the National Anti-Doping Association (NADA) panel.
Narsingh was tested positive for a banned anabolic steroid, two weeks before the Rio Olympics. He was later called for his 'B' sample test, which also turned out to be positive.
Confirming the news, WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh revealed that if they do not change the name by the deadline of July 25 then India's quota would have been allotted to some other country.
"Narsingh has alleged conspiracy in the matter and even I feel the same. We explained them the entire situation. We requested them to give us a chance and said that our government is serious on the issue. Fortunately, the United World Wrestling (UWW) accepted our request and gave us time till July 25. However, we came to know on July 25 that it was the last date to name the replacement," Brij Bhushan told ANI.
The WFI president, however, informed that he had requested the UWW to reconsider Narsingh for the Summer Games in case he comes out clear in the case.
"We were told that if you don't change the name, India's quota will not be valid and will be allotted to some other country. We couldn't wait much, we sent Praveen Rana's name as suggested by the chief coach in written. But I have mentioned in the noting that the probe is on and hearing is due to take place on 27th. If Narsingh comes out clean then we will request you to consider him," he added.
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Rana, the freestyle wrestler, had earlier bagged a gold medal in the 74kg category at the Dave Schultz Memorial wrestling tournament in USA in 2014.
Meanwhile, the 26-year-old tainted grappler, who bagged the quota in the 74kg category with a bronze medal finish in last year's World Championships, will be appearing before a NADA panel later this week for final hearing.
Interestingly, Narsingh was selected for the Rio Olympics in controversial circumstances as two-time Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar had demanded for trials to determine who should go to the games.
However, Narsingh was favoured for the same after fighting a lengthy legal battle with Sushil.
A day after Narsingh failed the dope test, his roommate Sandeep Tulsi Yadav at SAI (Sports Authority of India), Sonepat, also failed a dope test for the same substance as the Rio-bound athlete.
