Narsingh was victim of conspiracy, says Sports Minister

Wrestler Narsingh Yadav was a victim of conspiracy in doping case and therefore he will not be punished, Sports Minister Vijay Goel announced in the Rajya Sabha today after the anti-doping agency gave a clean chit to the sportsman.

Making a brief statement in the House, the minister said the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has exonerated Yadav.

"I want to inform the House that anti-doping disciplinary panel of NADA, which is under the Ministry of Youth and Sports, has exonerated Narsingh Yadav who was going to Rio Olympics in the 74 weight category. They (NADA) have found that a conspiracy has happened against (Yadav). Therefore, he will not be punished," Goel said.

Earlier, in a sensational turnaround, Yadav was exonerated of doping charges by the NADA, which concluded that he was a victim of sabotage, paving the way for the wrestler's participation in Rio Olympics.

After more than a week of drama which began with Narsingh testing positive for a banned anabolic steroid methandienone in tests conducted on June 25, NADA DG Naveen Agarwal put an end to the suspense on the wrestler's fate by exonerating him.

A relieved Narsingh said he is eager to go to the Olympics now and win a medal for the country.

"I am very happy and I am 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," Narsingh said.

"I knew I was on the right side and was confident of getting justice," he added.