Rio Olympics 2016: Shooter Chain Singh gets NADA and NRAI clearance

The 27-year old shooter has been allowed to participate by NADA and NRAI

Indian rifle shooter Chain Singh has been cleared by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) and the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) to compete at the Rio Olympics after he was hospitalised last week in Lausanne, Switzerland. The shooter had been diagnosed with pulmonary embolism and pneumonia. Pulmonary embolism is a condition where the veins of the patient have blood clots in them which results in trouble in breathing.

As part of Chain Singh’s treatment, he was being given blood thinners. According to the procedure followed by the authorities, any athlete who undergoes any kind of treatment before the Olympic Games has to obtain clearance from the NADA and his country’s sports federation.

Hence, the shooter got the clearance after the NADA informed the NRAI that the medicines taken by the 27-year old shooter do not feature in the prohibited list, therefore he does not have to take a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE).

As reported by the Times of India, NADA’s mail to the NRAI read, “On scrutiny of TUE application submitted by you, it has been found that tablet Xarelto 15mg and tablet Voltaren 50mg are not prohibited and permitted by all routes during in-competition as well as out-of-competition, hence don't require a TUE.”

Speculation was rife in the media that Chain Singh could be replaced by fellow shooter Sanjeev Rajput for the Games, but according to NRAI Secretary, Rajiv Bhatia, there are no chances of Singh not participating in the Games. He said, “This is not true. Chain in fact will reach Rio today (Friday). He is fit and has been training since last three days."

The 27-year old shooter was himself very relieved to hear about the clearance. He said, "I shot 525.5 in the practice session. I am absolutely fine and will give my best for a medal at Rio."

The Armyman will now focus on his training and try to get a medal at the Games where he is scheduled to participate in the 50m rifle prone and 50m rifle 3 positions events.

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Edited by Staff Editor