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The World Anti Doping Agency has rejected the National Anti Doping Agency's verdict on wrestler Narsingh Yadav, who was given a clean chit to compete in the Rio Olympics, according to reports on Monday.
WADA has appealed against the Indian doping agency's (NADA) decision in the Court of Arbitration for Sports, the decision of which will be known on August 18.
Wrestler Yadav is scheduled to participate in the 75kg freestyle category at the Olympics and his bout is on August 19.
The Indian wrestler, who won a bronze in the World Championships in 2014, tested positive for the banned anabolic steroid methandienone last month and was later exonerated by the National Anti-Doping Agency and subsequently cleared by the world body, the United World Wrestling to compete in Rio.
"WADA has appealed against the NADA clearance in Court of Arbitration (CAS). Now the hearing is on and the IOA Secretary General (Rajeev Mehta) is there with WADA officials," the Indian contingent's chef-de-mission, Rakesh Gupta, said.
Narsingh could face the prospect of a career-ending four-year ban if the Court of Arbitration for Sports upholds WADA's appeal.
He had claimed that he was victim of conspiracy by rivals, the theory accepted by NADA, which exonerated him after a hurried appeal.
Narsingh alleged that his food or drinks could have been spiked with the banned substance by rivals. The Wrestling Federation of India also backed him fully during the controversy.
The latest setback marks another chapter of turmoil in Narsingh's career. He was in the eye of storm ever since he was picked ahead of double-Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar, who dragged the matter to court demanding a trial to pick the best man to represent India in the 74kg category.
The court as well as the WFI rejected his demand following which Narsingh's Olympic bid was derailed by the dope scandal.
Though he received the NADA and WFI’s backing in time to board the flight to Rio, he could well be grounded for good if WADA's appeal is upheld by CAS.
Image: Narsingh Yadav of India
Photograph: Jeff Gross/Getty Images