‘Tainted’ shot-putter cries foul
Inderjeet, country’s lone representative in men’s shot put at the Rio Olympics, claims he has paid the price for speaking out against the system
CHANDIGARH: Rio-bound shotputter Inderjeet Singh, who has tested positive for a banned substance, claimed on Tuesday that there is a conspiracy against him. “I am mature to know what is right or wrong for my career. At this juncture, even a novice wouldn’t commit such a mistake,” he said.
“There is a conspiracy against me as I have always spoken out against the system. You are aware of the hurdles I had to face since winning the (2014) Asian Games bronze and attaining the Olympic mark and training for the Rio Games. Now, when my training is on track, things are going against me,” he added.
Asked why anyone would harm his chances of competing at the Olympics, he replied: “My ‘A’ sample tested positive (on June 22), but the ‘B’ sample is yet to be tested. As per NADA (National Anti-Doping Agency) rules, an athlete can be called dope positive only after his ‘B’ sample fails. So, how come the report was leaked even before the testing of the ‘B’ sample? In the case of Narsingh (Yadav), the information was kept under wraps till after the hearing.
“In the last two-and-half months (April 28 to July 11), I was tested six times and have the documents and never skipped a test. But rumours were floated that I was shying away from NADA and was not disclosing my whereabouts.”
COCKTAIL OF DRUGS Inderjeet was not tested till the time he trained in the US between November and March. The Bhiwani thrower tested positive for a cocktail of drugs, including androstenedione and entiocholanolone, both testosterone boosters and known to help athletes requiring muscle power. He will get a week’s time to get the ‘B sample tested.
“I have never taken shortcuts in my career, and will consult medical and legal experts to decide the future course of action,” said Inderjeet, who is the only Indian athlete to win gold at the World University Games in South Korea last year.
He achieved the Rio qualification mark last year with a throw of 20.65m at the 19th Federation Cup in Mangalore. His personal best at the international stage is 20.41m (2015 Asian Championships).
His current world ranking is 62 and the best performance this season is 19.85m at Bengaluru earlier this month.
He has preferred to train in Bhiwani rather than join the national camp, even though Patiala has better facilities. He trains under Pritam Singh, whose brother Shakti is a former international medal winner in shot-put.
“Last year, I was tested 10 times and was available every time. I have never received a warning about my whereabouts and have been available for random and competition testing,” said Inderjeet, who trained in the US under the sports ministry’s Target Olympic Podium Scheme.