Narsingh Yadav’s dope test raises some red flags
With wrestler Narsingh Yadav testing positive for a banned substance, India's Rio Olympics contingent has come under a shadow. The 74kg freestyle wrestler, who had won the bronze medal at last year's World Championship so as to qualify for the Olympics, was one of India's most promising athletes and touted to be a star performer. But at this point, this Rio trip seems like a long shot. The matter is still being investigated, but the National Anti-Doping Agency which administered the tests has been tight-lipped about whether Yadav still has a chance to be part of the Rio contingent. On his part, Yadav has cried ‘conspiracy', and the Wrestling Federation of India has supported him. His sponsors, usually the first to distance themselves from controversial players in such circumstances, have also come out in his favour.
We'll know more once the authorities complete their investigation, but in the mean time, there are some questions that need to be addressed. First, take a look at the banned substance that Yadav has been accused of taking — Methandienone. listed by the World Anti-Doping Agency as a prohibited Androgenic Anabolic Steroids, Methandienone is a performance-enhancer and usually used by boxers, weightlighters, judokas etc. This is a common pill that has been around for a long time and is easily accessible. It is safe to presume that Yadav and his team knew that if they did use this drug which is well-known to remain in the system for a long time, they would almost definitely be caught. Keep in mind that these days, athletes, even from countries like India where there otherwise a lot that is lacking in the sports infrastructure, are well-aware of anti-doping rules and restrictions.
They are acutely aware that they may be tested just about at any time, and one adverse result can ruin their careers. In fact, it is common knowledge that when high-profile athletes travel abroad, they are even careful while eating exotic food items — just in case they inadvertently consume an ingredient that results that shows up on a dope test! Yadav himself was tested multiple times in recent weeks, and in general, has a clean record. In such a situation, it would have been extremely foolish for him to have taken this drug, and that too so close to his Rio tour. Moreover, the nature of the drug is such that it would not have even benefitted him in the short term. Methandienone works, when combined with food and exercise, in the medium to long term.
There are other red flags too — for example, Yadav was tested on July 5 but the results were declared inordinately late. Also, Yadav's running feud with wrestler Sushil Kumar has also complicated the situation. Reportedly, the former had even been discouraged from attending the preparatory camp in Sonepat, Haryana (where he failed the test) as his welfare was a matter of concern. Yadav went anyway, and was given round-the-clock security.