Doping controversy: Narsingh Yadav's team denies allegations, says his food might have been contaminated

India's Olympic buildup was dealt a huge blow on Sunday as wrestler Narsingh Yadav, who was selected ahead of the celebrated Sushil Kumar, failed a dope test but insisted that the scandal that has jeopardised his Olympic participation is a conspiracy against him.

National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) Director General Navin Agarwal said Narsingh had tested positive for a banned substance and he appeared before a NADA disciplinary panel on Saturday. Sources said he had tested positive for methandienone -- a banned anabolic steroid.

"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," the NADA DG 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," he added.

Asked if Narsingh will miss the Rio Olympics, Agarwal said, "It is too early to comment in that regard. We will try to complete the whole thing quickly. I cannot speculate on that."

Narsingh, on his part, claimed innocence, saying that the scandal was a conspiracy against him. His coach and support staff also backed Narsingh, saying they suspect that his food might have been contaminated. "This is a conspiracy against me. I have never taken any banned substance," said Narsingh.

Sources in the Wrestling Federation of India also cried foul, claiming that the entire episode seems to be an attempt at sabotaging the wrestler. "It is foul play. Narsingh has a very clean history. it is clearly a conspiracy against him. A decision on the representation in 74kg is to be taken later but in all likelihood there would be no Indian representation in 74kg in Rio. Narsingh has been handed provisional suspension as of now," WFI sources said.

Narsingh, who won the 74kg Olympic quota berth with a World Championships bronze medal last year, was selected for Rio in controversial circumstances after double Olympic-medallist Sushil Kumar's demands for a trial were rejected both by the WFI and the Delhi High Court.

Sushil, who is yet to make a formal statement on the matter, put out a cryptic tweet after the controversy broke out. "Respect is to be earned not demanded," Sushil, a former world champion tweeted without specifying to whom or what exactly was he referring to.

Narsingh, a former Commonwealth Games gold-medallist, had to fight a lengthy legal battle with Sushil to get the chance to compete for India at the Olympics. 

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.

"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," the Ministry stated.

"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.

Indian Olympic Association Secretary General Rajeev Mehta ruled out the possibility of Sushil benefitting from the episode, saying that the last date for sending Olympic entries, July 18, is well behind them now.

"As far as Sushil Kumar is concerned, I think there is practically no chance for him (to replace Narsingh). Everything is closed as far as entry of athletes is concerned," he said.

WFI sources said Narsingh had been discouraged from attending the preparatory camp in Sonepat given the acrimony leading up to his selection in the Olympic team. "But he still went ahead," said the source.

Narsingh's sponsors JSW Sports backed the 26-year-old. "This is someone playing dirty - we are getting it sorted. he is a biggest hopeful - he is shaken up - sad how in India we can't even allow our athletes to train in peace," JSW Cement MD tweeted.

Sushil's mentor Satpal Singh, meanwhile expressed disappointment with the controversy and said Sushil would be ready to step in if need be in the Olympics.