Narsingh Yadav : Fighting back was my only option

Narsingh Yadav : Fighting back was my only option

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Relieved after the acquittal from the doping charges, Narsingh Yadav revealed how he was warned about such possibilities, but had not expected them. The wrestler also said fighting back was his only option after the charges were foisted on him and he looks to regain his confidence ahead of Rio.

Narsingh had earlier talked about how he was warned of such danger at the Sonepat camp but had chosen to ignore it. “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,” he told the Hindu in an exclusive.

The wrestler found support in his toughest moment from all quarters as the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), rival Sushil Kumar, and a lot of well-wishers rallied behind him. Narsingh thanked them saying, “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.”

The wrestler was also cleared by the United World Wrestling to participate in Rio. Narsingh called it an “encouraging development”, and talked about it. “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,” he said.

Despite all the hassles and running around, Narsingh had kept his faith and had kept up his training. Speaking about his fitness as he looks to leave for Rio, Narsingh said, “Even when the 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,” reported the Hindu.

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