Narsingh Yadav's ban ends, aims for redemption

NEW DELHI: Four years back, wrestler Narsingh Yadav's world came crashing down when he tested positive just before the 2016 Rio Olympics.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) decided to hand him a four-year ban. In the lead up to the Rio Games, he and two-time Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar were engaged in a bitter court battle, both vying for the 74kg category spot in the Rio-bound Indian team. Narsingh and Sushil engaged in verbal volleys, with Narsingh often accusing Sushil of foul play.
The ban seemed to have ended Narsingh's career.At that time, he was 26 and at the peak of his career.
Cut forward to March 2020. The announcement by International Olympic Committee (IOC) to postpone the Tokyo Olympics to 2021 gave Narsingh a new lease of life.
The 30-year-old's happiness knew no bounds when he received an official mail from WADA on Saturday. The mail affirmed the end of Narsingh's ban, making him eligible for future competitions, including the Tokyo Olympics.
"I am now free to compete in all competitions. I have informed WFI (Wrestling Federation of India) about the mail from WADA. I have written to the federation to consider me for future national camps in the 74kg category," Narsingh told TOI with a tinge of joy and relief in his voice.
Narsingh has targeted the world championships for his comeback into the international fold. The tournament is scheduled to be held in Belgrade, Serbia in December.
The Tokyo Olympics, however, is his ultimate aim. "I still have it in me. My story will only be complete with an Olympic medal," Narsingh said. "I believe it is my destiny that this opportunity has come knocking on my door. I am happy, but it is time to train harder to be come back in the Indian team."
The federation has agreed to back him. "The Olympics have been postponed, so there will be some time for qualification tournaments to start. If Narsingh wants to return, we will give him the chance," WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar said.
With Narsingh back in the fold, the 74kg freestyle category in India looks very interesting. It is by far the most competitive one among the seniors. Sushil is still there, aiming for his swansong at the Tokyo Games. Then there is two-time Asian Championships medallist Parveen Rana, who had replaced Narsingh in Rio. The up and coming Jitender Kinha, who won silver at the Asian Championships earlier this year, is one for the future. While four Indian wrestlers have qualified for the Olympics so far, none have in the 74kg yet.
"Competition doesn't deter me. If my aim is to win an Olympic medal, I'll have to stave off competition at the national level first," Narsingh said.
Narsingh is currently at his home in Mumbai, training at a local akhada. He is married now and is father to a 7-month old baby boy. Wife Shilpi Sheoran, who herself is a wrestler and a Commonwealth Championships silver medallist, kept Narsingh motivated during the "tough times". "My wife always had my back. She kept telling me if not 2020 then Paris 2024 it would be. "Nearly everyone deserted me. I lost sponsors and friends. But I never stopped training. I took part in dangals and have kept myself fighting fit."
And, Narsingh still maintains that four years back he was a victim of sabotage.