'It's not the time to talk now but to remain focussed on winning medal for India.'
Overcoming the dope scandal, which almost derailed his hopes of competing at the Rio Olympics, wrestler Narsingh Yadav said he would want to forget about the toughest phase of his life and solely focus on winning a medal on August 19.
Narsingh reached Rio de Janeiro along with India's chief coach Jagminder Singh and checked into the Games Village.
"Please don't ask me about the past. I don't want to think about it anymore. I'm just focussing on my training. I'm here in Rio finally, and focussing on my game. I will talk after my game on August 19," he told PTI on the sidelines of his first training session on Thursday.
"I feel great after finally coming to the Games Village. I just want to win a medal for my country. That's the only hope left for me. I am giving my 100 per cent. Everything is going fine," he added.
Just weeks before the start of the Rio Games, Narsingh tested positive for a banned anabolic steroid methandienone in tests conducted by National Anti-doping Agency (NADA) on June 25, followed by a hearing by the NADA disciplinary panel.
Upon the conclusion of the hearing, NADA exonerated Narsingh of doping charges, citing that he was a victim of sabotage and thereby paved the way for the wrestler's participation in Olympics.
Narsingh said he was thankful for the support and repay his countrymen by winning a medal here (Rio).
"I could not have asked for more support throughout. My whole country is behind me and I'm thankful to them. It's not the time to talk now but to remain focussed on winning medal for India,' said Narsingh.
