Inderjeet Singh Wants Prime Minister To Intervene After Failing Dope Test

Shot-putter Inderjeet Singh, who tested positive for a banned substance days before the start of the Rio Olympics, has pleaded his innocence in an exclusive chat with NDTV.

Claiming that he is a victim of a conspiracy, Inderjeet Singh said that his samples had been tampered with. "I am under shock. I have never been been involved in taking any substances," he said.

The shot-putter said he is being targeted since he had earlier been vocal against the apathy towards athletes in India.

Inderjeet tested positive for androsterone and etiocholanolone during a recent doping test, with the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) confirming the news on Tuesday. His out-of-competition test was done on June 22, according to sources.

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.

An emotional Inderjeet told that he had never avoided or missed any test, and had undergone six tests in the two-and-a-half months since returning from the US.

With Olympic hopes dwindling and his career in jeopardy, Inderjeet has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in the matter. "I appeal to the PM to consider the case of athletes," he said.