Narsingh Yadav missing Rio Olympics will mean India losing a medal: WFI President

New Delhi: A day after he backed beleaguered Indian wrestler Narsingh Yadav's claims of a conspiracy behind his failed doping test, Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh said that India will lose a medal if the grappler doesn't go to upcoming Olympics.

Speaking to CNN News 18, Singh said that keeping his recent form in mind, Narsingh was one of India's top medal hopefuls.

"If Narsingh doesn't go to Rio, India will for sure lose on a medal. Considering his form in mind, he was expected to win a medal for the country," he said.

Singh on Monday, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who sought details of the controversy which rocked the Indian sporting fraternity just days ahead of the quadranneial event.

Narsingh had tested positive in tests conducted by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), which announced its findings on Sunday.

NADA's inquiry process is being conducted by its Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel, which is likely to announce the final decision by Wednesday.

Earlier at a press conference on Monday, Singh threw his weight behind Narsingh saying his case was a special one as his name was among the top 10 athletes who are expected to win a medal at the biggest sporting extravaganza.

"The federation's role is to protect and back their athletes. Narsingh has played around 50 national as well as international tournaments. He has never been reluctant in appearing for dope tests. Thus we will have to believe him when he says he is innocent and has not consumed anything intentionally which can jeopardise his chances of playing in the coveted event," Singh said.

Narsingh had tested positive for methandienone, an anabolic steroid, which is known to lead to an increase in muscle and weight.