NADA recalls witnesses to check veracity

 Despite the conclusion of arguments in the high-profile doping case of wrestler Narsingh Yadav, some proceedings took place at National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) office on Friday.

The NADA disciplinary panel, headed by Sanjay Mani Tripathi, called some of the witnesses in the case. The lawyers on either side were absent. The hearing of the case had concluded on Thursday evening.

“The panel had asked NADA to call some of the witnesses today and we did that. We don’t expect any further proceedings on the matter now. The verdict is likely to come on late Saturday evening or Monday,” NADA director-general  Naveen Agarwal told Deccan Herald. 

It is believed the witnesses were called to check the veracity of their statements on the case. Narsingh, who tested positive for anabolic steroid methandienone, had alleged conspiracy and sabotage to scuttle his chances of representing India in the 74-kg weight category at the Rio Olympics, beginning August 5.

He had also alleged his food was spiked with the banned steroid and had even provided the versions of the cooks at SAI Centre, Sonepat. He had lodged an FIR claiming his friend, on June 5, had witnessed a young wrestler mixing something to his food at SAI centre.

Narsingh tested positive for the same steroid in the samples taken on June 25 and July 5. He faces a four-year suspension. He can get a reduced sanction if he could establish there was no significant fault or negligence on his part. He will be required to prove how the banned substance entered his body if he were to get a lenient punishment.