Rio Olympics: Can India replace Narsingh Yadav with Sushil Kumar? WFI and IOA officials give contradictory answers
Since Narsingh Yadav has failed a dope test, the resultant punishment has to be shared by the country, national federation and the national Olympic committee.
In Short
- Narsingh could have been replaced by another Indian on medical grounds.
- There is still a possibility for a replacement: WFI official.
- Sushil Kumar can't benefit from the episode: Rajeev Mehta.
The way Narsingh Yadav's name got finalised in the Indian contingent for the Rio Olympics, snubbing two-time Olympic medalist Sushil Kumar, was dramatic. His 'possible' expulsion from the mega sporting spectacle, starting August 5, could be even more shocking.
But the major question now is: Can India replace Narsingh with another wrestler in the same weight category? Speaking to Mail Today, the WFI and the IOA officials gave conflicting responses.
INDIA'S BERTH REMAINS VACANT
If experts are to be believed, India's berth in the 74 kg category should remain vacant. Narsingh could have been replaced by another Indian on medical grounds. But since he has failed a dope test, the resultant punishment has to be shared by the country, national federation and the national Olympic committee. Hence, there may not be any Indian representative in the 74 kg freestyle event at the Rio Games.
RAY OF HOPE FOR INDIA
The WFI official, however, said there is still a possibility for a replacement.
"We can request IOC to allow Sushil as a replacement. He is a two-time Olympic medalist, so I believe something can be done in this regard," the official said on condition of anonymity.
NARSINGH FAILS DOPE TEST
The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) conducted a random dope test on Narsingh on July 5 at the Sports Authority of India's regional centre in Sonepat.
On Sunday, NADA director general Navin Agarwal confirmed that Narsingh tested positive for a banned substance and he appeared before a NADA disciplinary panel on Saturday. "The disciplinary panel has sought more details on the case," he said.
Later, the sports ministry also issued a statement to confirm a failed dope test by a wrestler but desisted from giving out Narsingh'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 yesterday in which the wrestler was given an opportunity to defend himself," the ministry said.
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.
NARSINGH CLAIMS INNOCENCE
Narsingh, on his part, claimed innocence, saying it was a conspiracy. "I have been a professional freestyle wrestler for over 15 years and have undergone almost 25-30 dope tests. I have come out clean every single time."
Meanwhile, IOA secretary general Rajeev Mehta ruled out the possibility of Sushil benefitting from the episode, saying the last date for sending Olympic entries, July 18, is well past. "I think there is no chance for Sushil."
Sushil put out a cryptic tweet after the controversy broke out. He posted a photo stating: "Respect should be earned not demanded. Jai Hind!!"
While it may or may not be directly connected to the failure of Narsingh's dope test, the timing of the photo does make the intent of the image open to questions.
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