Narsingh: 'Fighting back was my only option'

Narsing Yadav got the go ahead from United World Wrestling to compete in the Rio Olympics. But the wait continues — a fresh dope test by NADA remains to be done.

Published : Aug 03, 2016 20:31 IST , Mumbai

"I will look to get stronger and also resolve a few problem areas on the mat. The aim now is to gain confidence before the Olympics," Narsingh says.
"I will look to get stronger and also resolve a few problem areas on the mat. The aim now is to gain confidence before the Olympics," Narsingh says.
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"I will look to get stronger and also resolve a few problem areas on the mat. The aim now is to gain confidence before the Olympics," Narsingh says.

Insulated from the noise outside, Narsing Yadav is training at the Sports Authority of India complex, Kandivali. There is a storm raging inside his mind ever since he was told at Sonepat’s SAI complex about the positive dope test.

READ: >Narsingh cleared by UWW for Rio

The Mumbai wrestler returned to home base and is focusing on matters within his control. The urge to cushion himself with known people in a familiar surrounding is so deep that no one knows his location.

The JSW-supported wrestler, who has cancelled a stint in Georgia as part of a national training plan, is spending quality time in Mumbai.

On Wednesday, Narsing got the go ahead from United World Wrestling to compete in the Rio Olympics. But the wait continues, a fresh dope test by NADA remains to be done.

Excerpts from a telephonic chat with Sportstar :

Lessons for you from SAI, Sonepat

People had told me that such things could happen to me. I thought that no one would really stoop to such a level. When it finally happened, it came as a big shock. It was a lot of mental pressure and the first couple of days, I felt sad and depressed.

Recovering mentally from the situation…

I always knew that I was innocent. Fighting back was my only option. A huge number of people came out in support. It was a really great thing to happen. I have been careful with my diet in the past, but after this incident, I have stepped up my level of attention in a big way.

On United World Wrestling clearance to participate in Rio.. .

Encouraging development. I was always confident about representing the nation at Rio Olympics, and this is a big step towards that goal. The Wrestling Federation of India’s president (Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh) had assured me that they will do everything possible.

On training for Rio...

Even when the whole NADA hearing was happening, I made sure that I did not miss out on my training. I have kept myself fit and in good physical condition. The next 10 days will be crucial. I will look to get stronger and also resolve a few problem areas on the mat. The aim now is to gain confidence before the Olympics.

Specific aspects you will be working on

Sparring sessions will be intense. I will also be working a lot on my speed. Developing a rhythm through a bout is also an important thing and I will be working on getting into as good a rhythm as possible. Physically, I think I am in good condition and have been focussing on improving my agility over the last few months. I will continue to work on that aspect as it has a direct impact on ease of movements on the mat during a bout.

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