Inderjeet Singh, Rio Olympics-Bound Shotputter, Cries Foul After Failing Dope Test

Inderjeet Singh, Rio Olympics-Bound shotputter, has failed a dope test. He has been found positive for androsterone and etiocholanolone, sources told NDTV. This comes after Indian wrestler Narsingh Yadav too tested positive with less than two weeks to go for the August 5-21 Games.

The shotputter told NDTV that it is a case of conspiracy against him as he is outspoken and has been critical of authorities in the past. "I have been framed because I am outspoken. This is a conspiracy against me," he said.

"I was shocked when I found out I failed dope test. I have never said no to dope tests. This is the best way to stop an athlete from competing."

The 28-year-old Inderjeet's out-of-competition test was done on June 22, sources said.

The NADA has asked the athlete, who had won a bronze in the 2014 Asian Games, if he wants to test his 'B' sample and if so, to do this within seven days. Efforts are on to get his 'B' sample testing done on Tuesday itself in Delhi, and to have a hearing as well since time is running out.

"Not surprised that from a contingent of over 100, two-three athletes have tested positive," Naveen Aggrawal, National Anti-Doping Agency Director General told NDTV.  

"Inderjeet is under provisional suspension as of now and can't go to Rio Olympics. He has a week's time to reply," he added.

If the 'B' sample also tests positive, he will have to miss Rio Olympics beginning August 5, besides facing the prospect of being banned for four years under the new WADA Code.

'My sample has been tampered with'

Inderjeet also claimed that his sample has been tampered with.

"This is a conspiracy and there is something wrong in it. This will be checked by the doctors though. I don't want to comment on it but whoever has tried to raise their voice in this country, they are forced to shut up," said Inderjeet.

"My sample has been tampered with. Why would a player take something which is not good for his health," he added.

Inderjeet said although it was too early to say anything, there was a campaign to shut his mouth.

"I am not in a situation to say anything right now but this is one thing which destroys a player in our country. I will defend it," he said.

"I have given dope test at least 50 times last year and this year too I am giving it everywhere. Even after that a campaigning is done to shut my mouth.

"I used to speak straight for the Indian athletes. There are many things happening with me for past one year. Media shows that I am running from dope test but I am not. It disturbs a player," Inderjeet said.

Inderjeet is one of those athletes who does not train at the national camps. He normally trains on his own with his personal coach. He is a gold-medallist in the Asian championships, Asian Grand Prix and the World University Games last year.

He was the first Indian track and field athlete to qualify for the Rio Olympics as he made the cut last year itself. He had a training stint earlier this year in the United States under funding of the Sports Ministry's Target Olympic Podium (TOP) Scheme.

(With inputs from Suprita Das and PTI)