Shattered' Inderjeet Singh unsure of Rio participation after failed dope test

Mumbai: He was going about his customary routine in the evening and when he got done, interacted with a few kids who wished him best wishes at the upcoming Rio Olympics. However, as fate had it that may have been the last smile Indian shot putter Inderjeet Singh had to share. That very evening at 9 pm, the 28-year-old received a mail from the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) informing him about his A sample testing positive in a dope test.

Inderjeet now faces a possible expulsion from the quadrennial event. “I am shattered, heartbroken and not in a situation to talk right now. I have not slept the entire night after I got the mail,” he said.

Inderjeet, who is a bright medal prospect for the country, returned positive for a banned substance during an out-of-competition dope test on June 22. “Do you think I am a fool to do this before the Olympics?” a teary-eyed Inderjeet questioned.

“I have been to Bangalore and Hyderabad and dope tests were conducted on me. The results were negative. I have taken part in so many competitions, have won gold for my country and nobody has said anything to me then. This is entirely a conspiracy against me because I have been fighting for athletes and their rights,” said the reigning Asian Champion.

“Also, I was in tussle with the authorities to take my coach along to the Olympics. So, this could be the reason,” he added.

The Haryana athlete, who trained in the United States under funding of the Sports Ministry’s Target Olympic Podium (TOP) Scheme, does not train at the national camps.

Inderjeet must get his ‘B’ sample tested if he wants to keep his chances to make it to Brazil alive.

When asked about his plans to deal with the situation, the 28-year-old athlete said: “The next step would be to seek a legal and medical opinion. I can’t say right now whether I am going to Rio or not.”