Rio Olympics: I am hopeful NADA panel will take right decision, says Narsingh Yadav

New Delhi: Despite not having enough evidence to prove the allegations of a sabotage, Narsingh Yadav on Thursday put up a brave face sounding hopeful that the NADA panel will give a proper verdict on his doping scandal. “I have put forward my side of the story in front of the panel. I have told them the truth. Now I will have to wait for the panel’s decision. I am hopeful that the panel will give a right decision,” Narsingh told reporters after coming out of the hearing on the second day in New Delhi. [caption id=“attachment_2921526” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Narsingh Yadav at NADA hearing. AP[/caption] NADA’s lawyer Gaurang Kanth said that Narsingh’s claims of conspiracy are not backed by sufficient proof. “The argument by NADA was that he is not eligible for remission which he has been asking. Narsingh did not produce the relevant circumstantial evidence that there could have been sabotage as had been claimed by them,” Kanth said. “They filed an affidavit that his drinks or water was spiked but they did not produce the evidence to prove it to satisfy NADA and WADA,” he argued. The suspense over Narsingh’s Olympic participation was prolonged further after the National Anti-Doping Agency deferred its final verdict on the doping scandal surrounding him to Saturday or Monday at the end of a two-day hearing. The 26-year-old wrestler said he was continuing his practice as he feels that there is still chance for him to board the flight to Rio. “I am continuing with my practice and am still hopeful that I will be able to go to Rio,” Narsingh said. “I have been framed. It was a conspiracy against me. I have never ever doped in such a long career,” he reiterated in his defence. Narsingh’s hopes of competing in the Olympics had faded further after the wrestler failed a second dope test which was conducted on him on 5 July. Narsingh had been picked for the Rio Games ahead of two-time Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar after he won the quota place with a bronze medal in the World Championships in 2015.