Have identified those who spiked Narsingh's food: WFI chief

IANS

New Delhi, July 27 (IANS) Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on Wednesday revealed the names of two junior wrestlers who are alleged to have spiked Olympics-bound grappler Narsingh Pancham Yadav's food with banned substances.

"We suspect Jitesh, who fights in the 75kg category, and Sumit. Both of them live in Chhatarsaal. And one of them has admitted to spiking Narsingh's food. I can't say on the conspiracy and can't say whether they did this on their own or on someone's asking. We cannot investigate this but we support Narsingh's demand for a CBI inquiry," Brij Bhushan told reporters here.

Narsingh's chances of participating in the upcoming Rio Olympics came under a cloud last Sunday when he returned a positive result for a dope test conducted by the National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) on June 25.

Following this, Narsingh, who was selected to represent the country in the men's 74kg freestyle category ahead of two-time Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar, was handed a provisional suspension.

The 26-year-old ran into further trouble on Wednesday after it was announced that a second test conducted on July 5 has also returned a positive result.

The wrestler had claimed of a conspiracy to frame him and had filed a police report in this regard, although he refrained from naming anyone.

"I have always maintained that there has been a conspiracy against me. If I am cleared of the charges, I will go to Rio. I have identified the boy who was seen contaminating my food. I have given a detailed complaint to the police," Narsingh told the media after filing his police complaint.

"I feel even officials are involved because I am not being provided the CCTV footage," he added.

The WFI has named Praveen Rana in the reserve slot in case Narsingh is not able to participate in the Olympics.

--IANS

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