Narsingh Yadav

president Brijbhushan Sharan Singh declined to comment on Sandeep’s positive test. But sources said the WFI was informed about his failed test two days ago.

Sandeep competes in the Greco-roman category and won a bronze medal in the 2013 World Championships.

Narsingh’s dope test was conducted at SAI’S Sonepat centre, where the national camp is currently going on. Narsingh and the federation were informed about the failed test on July 19, WFI’S Singh said.

However, ambiguity remains over Narsingh’s participation in the Olympics, to be held from August 5-21, although he has been provisionally suspended as per NADA’S regulations. The WFI is awaiting the findings of NADA’S panel, and the United World Wrestling (UWW) has not yet struck Narsingh’s name off the draw.

Narsingh had written a letter to the WFI last week, in which he alleged that there was a conspiracy against him.

During his hearing on Saturday, Narsingh is believed to have used his roommate’s failed test as his primary argument. “Narsingh and his roommate used to have their meals in the room. He has argued that the fact that both of them have tested positive for the same banned substance shows that their food was contaminated or there was a sabotage,” sources said.

WFI president Singh said he was confident that Narsingh would be allowed to compete at the Games. He added that he had sent a letter to the UWW last week, informing them of the situation. The BJP MP said the world governing body, too, was awaiting the NADA’S panel verdict.

“I was informed about this incident on July 19. I have spoken to Narsingh Yadav, who has given us in writing that this is a conspiracy against him that involves a lot of people. A high-level panel has been formed by NADA and we are awaiting their result. At the moment, we believe that the panel will clear his name and Narsingh will be allowed to compete at the Rio Games,” Singh told The Indian Express.

Narsingh is likely to consult lawyers before presenting his case to NADA’S panel. The second hearing is likely to be held on Wednesday. The Mumbai-based wrestler has also alleged that his urine sample was tampered with and demanded a retest, which the NADA is considering.

Narsingh was chosen for the Olympics in May under controversial circumstances after Sushil’s demand for selection trials was not acknowledged by the WFI. The Delhi High Court, too, dismissed Sushil’s plea following a lengthy legal battle.

During that period, Haryana Police had warned of a threat to Narsingh’s safety at the Sonepat centre, and subsequently provided him with 24-hour security. “During his hearing on Saturday, Narsingh said he was warned about physical threats but that a scenario like this did not cross his mind. The panel will look at all aspects and evidence before arriving at a verdict soon,” a source said.

For now, though, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has withheld Narsingh’s accreditation card and the WFI has indefinitely postponed the contingent’s exposure trip to Georgia. The team was supposed to leave for the eastern European nation for a preparatory camp on Monday.

If Narsingh is found guilty, India might not be able to field a replacement in the 74kg category as the final date to send the list of athletes was July 18. But Agarwal said it was still too early to draw any conclusion. “We will try to wrap up this issue quickly,” Agarwal said.