'Always believed I would be cleared': Narsingh Yadav says he never doubted outcome of NADA verdict

“Right from the first day, I have had faith that I would be cleared. I have always competed in a fair and honest manner,” said a relieved Narsingh Yadav on Monday, minutes after being exonerated by the National Anti Doping Agency (NADA). [caption id=“attachment_2921526” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Narsingh Yadav after the NADA hearing. AP[/caption] NADA director general Navin Agarwal accepted Narsingh’s contention that it was sabotage at work, saying some competitor might have spiked the wrestler’s amino drink. Narsingh had returned positive for methandienone, a banned anabolic steroid, following which he cried foul, claiming that the entire episode was a conspiracy against him. “I am very happy and hopeful of winning a medal at the Olympics. Truth has won. This will ensure that nothing like this happens with any other player. It is a huge win,” said Narsingh after the remarkable verdict. “I knew I was on the right side and was confident of getting justice,” he added. “The last 10 days have been extremely tough for me, but my focus is now firmly on being at my best and going all out to bring glory to the nation,” Narsingh added. Following this decision, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) also confirmed that Narsingh will travel to Rio and participate in the Olympics. However, questions arose about his fitness and status, both physical and mental, considering the weeks of “will-he-won’t-he” speculation over his participation status. But all doubts were put to rest on Monday, after Narsingh said, “All through the hearing process, I have been training and I will be putting in a lot more work in the next couple of weeks to ensure that I am physically and mentally at my peak on the mat at Rio.” He then made it a point to thank the eminent people who backed him. “I bow down and thank everyone from the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, the Sports Authority of India and the Wrestling Federation of India for their support and assistance.”