Parveen Rana most likely to replace Narsingh Yadav at Rio Olympics

United World Wrestling (UWW) had earlier notified that India will retain its quota in the 74kg freestyle wrestling category even if Narsingh Yadav is suspended for positive dope test, and now they said that Indian Olympic Association (IOA) informed UWW of their desire to enter Parveen Rana as their nation’s replacement in the category.

UWW had earlier informed IOC that since the positive test occurred outside of the qualification event, they would be allowed replace Yadav with another wrestler, or else vacate the qualification spot.

Incidentally, Narsingh, who won the 74kg Olympic quota berth with a World Championships bronze last year, was selected for Rio in controversial circumstances after star wrestler Sushil Kumar's demand for a trial was rejected by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and the Delhi High Court.

It may also be noted that Rana was the wrestler whom Narsingh defeated in 74kg category at the selection trials to qualify for World Championships.

Narsingh was recently tested positive for methandienone, a banned steroid, in a test conducted by National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) and has been handed a provisional suspension, which has jeopardised his chances of participating in Rio.

Also as per a new twist to the story, the cook at Sports Authority of India (SAI), Sonepat training centre identified a man who had allegedly tinkered with Narsingh's food. The wrestler is scheduled to appear before NADA for a second hearing on Wednesday and if he can prove his innocence, then IOA may still send him to Rio. But that seems a distant dream as of now. So Rana is in pole position to board the Rio flight.