Narsingh Yadav's Rio Fate Hangs in Balance, WADA Doesn't Buy Spiked Food Claim

Narsingh Yadav, India's 74kg wrestler who was trapped in doping net, had his fate hanging in balance till the late hours on Friday as his hearing got over at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Rio de Janeiro.

Narsingh had got clearance from National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) despite testing positive for a banned anabolic steroid. NADA and IOA's logic was that he intentionally did not take the banned substance.

However, the decision was challeneged by World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) as they appealed against it in CAS.

In the hearing on Friday, WADA argued that Narsingh should have been banned when found positive. They also rejected the theory that his food was spiked at the Sports Authority of India centre in Sonepat. WADA said it was impossible to spike a player's food despite CCTV and high security at the SAI centre in Sonepat.

However, Narsingh's name appeared in the official schedule released on Friday after he underwent the regular weigh-in. He is scheduled to take on France's Zelimkhan Khadjiev in the qualification round but that would depend on the ruling of CAS.

The embattled 74kg category grappler has maintained that his scandalous dope test was a result of conspiracy by rivals who spiked his food or drinks.

"We are very hopeful of a positive response. We have argued our case well. The meeting went on for four hours and the lawyers from WADA checked all the evidence and documents provided by us," IOA Secretary General Rajeev Mehta said. Wrestling Federation of India president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and India's Chef-de-Mission Rakesh Gupta was present at the hearing. Narsingh's lawyer Vidushpat Singhania argued the case via video conferencing.

"We are now waiting for their verdict which will be sent out on email within three-four hours time. We cannot say about the verdict now. But we are positive that Narsingh will get to play his bout tomorrow," he added.

If he is cleared, it will be interesting to see how the World Championship bronze-medallist overcomes the mental trauma to give his best.

Having grabbed the quota by virtue of his bronze in Las Vegas 2015, Narsingh's road to Rio was fraught with obstacles after he was named to represent India ahead of double Olympic-medallist Sushil Kumar.

Sushil dragged Narsingh to Delhi High Court and a bitter courtroom tussle followed but the judgement went in latter's favour.

There was more drama in store for the Asian Games bronze-medallist after he returned positive for a banned steroid following a dope test in June by the NADA.

Narsingh's roommate at the SAI centre in Sonipat also tested positive for the same substance but WFI backed the Mumbai-based wrestler's claims of a foul-play.

Days before the Olympics, Narsingh was cleared of doping charges by the NADA who said the wrestler was indeed a victim of 'sabotage' and deserved the benefit of doubt.

However, his hopes were dealt a massive blow when WADA challenged the NADA's decision and moved the CAS amid speculation that the wrestler may face a ban up to four years.