Narsingh Yadav doping row: PM Narendra Modi intervenes, seeks details of controversy from WFI president

New Delhi: In an interesting move, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has intervened in the ongoing doping row surrounding Indian wrestler Narsingh Yadav.

Modi met Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and sought details regarding the ongoing controversy.

Notably, Narsingh has been has tested positive for methandienone, an anabolic steroid. The tests were conducted on June 25.

Earlier at a press conference, WFI president backed beleaguered Narsingh saying that he had never been reluctant in giving doping tests and the federation was behind him since he was one of India's top medal hopefuls for upcoming Rio Olympics.

When asked why the federation was backing Narsingh, Singh said, "The federation's role is to protect and back their athletes. Narsingh has played around 50 national as well as international tournaments. He has never been reluctant in appearing for dope tests. Thus we will have to believe him when he says he is innocent and has not consumed anything intentionally which can jeopardise his chances of playing in the coveted event."

Singh also mentioned an incident where in a camp in Sonepat on June 5, there are reports of something being mixed in the food which was being cooked for Narsingh in the kitchen while the main cook was not present.

Singh further added that the federation was backing the wrestler as he was one of India's top medal hopefuls.

"His case is serious because he qualified for Olympics. Also, out of the 10-12 athletes we are expecting to win us medals in Rio, Narsingh's name is one of them. So his case will have to be taken seriously," he said.

Singh also said that the final decision regarding the matter should be taken by Thursday.