WFI demands CBI probe into Narsingh Yadav's dope case

Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) on Sunday demanded a CBI probe into Narsingh Yadav's dope case that resulted in his elimination from the ongoing Rio Olympics and eventually to a four-year suspension.

WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh had earlier said, "Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) or the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) didn't have enough opportunity to defend Narsingh's case at the CAS, adding that the grappler had been left devastated by the ruling."

"It is unfortunate that the first player to qualify for Olympics and too with a medal has been banned all of a sudden due to a conspiracy," Bhushan had said.

 

"By banning him, CAS has also washed away the hopes of 125 million Indians," he said.

Bhushan also pointed out that the decision was passed just few hours before the match and alleged that this is suspicious of some conspiracy.

"Narsingh Yadav was a 'victim of conspiracy' despite the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) overturning the clean chit given to the wrestler by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) over doping charges," he added.

"We will ensure that a CBI probe into this conspiracy is done. It is mandatory to investigate this matter and punish the culprit so that this kind of incident doesn't occur to any other athlete in the future," Bhushan had said.

Earlier last week, Narsingh's Rio campaign hit a major roadblock when the WADA filed an urgent application before the CAS, challenging the decision of NADA to exonerate the 26-year-old grappler following two positive anti-doping tests with methandienone on June 25 and July 5.

The NADA had paved the way for Narsingh to compete in the prestigious quadrennial event after its disciplinary panel ruled that he was a victim of sabotage (food/drink tampering) perpetrated by another competitor.

Narsingh, who bagged the quota with a bronze medal finish in last year's World Championships, was scheduled to fight in the 74-kg category on 19th July.

His selection for the Rio Olympics was also marred with controversy as two-time Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar had demanded trials to determine who should go to the games. In the end, Narsingh was favoured for the same after fighting a lengthy legal battle with Sushil.