Maharashtra CM seeks justice for wrestler Narsingh Yadav

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today told the state Assembly that he has written to the Union Sports Minister, seeking justice for wrestler

Narsingh Yadav, who has been virtually ruled out of the upcoming Rio Olympics after a doping scandal.

"I have written to the Union Sports Minister. I have said justice should be done to players like Narsingh Yadav," he said in the Lower House.

Raising suspicion over the manner in which the entire doping scandal played out, Fadnavis said, "Due to such episodes, genuine players like Narsingh Yadav are bearing the brunt."

"Justice should be done to him," he said.

The Chief Minister was responding to Leader of Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, who raised the issue in the Assembly.

"Yadav is from Maharashtra, and it is our duty to support talented players like him," Patil said.

26-year-old Narsingh had tested positive for banned anabolic steroid methandienone which has put his participation in the Rio Games under jeopardy.

The grappler was selected to represent India in the 74kg category.

The sportsman has alleged that he was framed by rivals, who spiked his food and supplements. Mumbai Congress yesterday claimed that Yadav has been "framed" and there was a conspiracy behind the doping scandal.

"He is innocent, it is a conspiracy," Mumbai Congress President Sanjay Nirupam had said, reacting to the doping scandal.

"Yadav is a victim of wrestling politics in north India. He has been framed. He is innocent. I know him for several years. He drinks milk, curd and lassi. He doesn't have any vices," the former Member of Parliament said.

The Wrestling Federation of India should verify the facts from National Anti-Doping Agency as it is a question of India's self-respect, the Congress leader had said.