Dharambir Singh, only Indian sprinter to qualify for Rio Olympics 2016, fails dope test

Singh's career now hangs in balance as the agencies decide how to go forward. He could face a life ban, if the allegations are proved true. This will also be Singh's second offence.

August 3: Another Indian sportsperson qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympics has come under the doping cloud. 200 m sprinter Dharambir Singh, who had made India proud earlier this year, by becoming the first Indian athlete to qualify for the Olympics after 36 years, has reportedly failed the National Anti Doping Agency’s dope test and hence has not travelled to Rio to participate. Media reports on Wednesday said that Singh has been asked to stay back, after his test came positive for banned substances. However, NADA is yet to officially inform Athletics Federation about the development.Watch: Rio Olympics Opening Ceremony Indian time

According to a Times of India report, Singh was supposed to leave for Rio on Tuesday, but he didn’t turn up, and it was later found out that he had failed the dope test and was asked to stay back. Singh’s career now hangs in balance as the agencies decide how to go forward. He could face a life ban, if the allegations are proved true. This will also be Singh’s second offence. He is the third Indian qualified for the Rio Olympics, who has come under the doping ambit. Before him wrestler Narsingh Yadav and shot putter Inderjeet Singh had also tested positive for NADA doping tests. Also Read: 2016 Rio Olympics India Schedule in IST 

India is sending its largest ever contingent to the Olympics this year, but its hopes have been marred by big doping controversies. Last week, Yadav was cleared of doping charges, after NADA accepted the wrestler’s claims that his food had been tampered with and that there were attempts to sabotage his chances at the Olympics. However, for Inderjeet, chances of clearance are still slim, with the doping agency confirming on Tuesday that the shot putter’s ‘B’ sample had also tested positive.ALSO READ: After NADA’s clearance, Narsingh Yadav fully prepared to compete at Rio Olympics, says WFI chief