Inderjeet Singh, the Rio-bound shot putter from Haryana, has failed a dope test as his 'A' sample returned positive for a banned substance.
Inderjeet tested positive for a banned steroid and he has been informed by National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). His out-of-competition test was done on June 22.
The NADA has asked the Haryana athlete, who had won a silver in the 2014 Asian Games, if he wants to test his 'B' sample and if so, to do this within seven days.
If the 'B' sample also tests positive, he will have to miss Rio Olympics beginning August 5, besides facing the prospect of being banned for four years under the new World Anti-Doping Code.
Singh become the second athlete to test positive for a banned substance in a week. Wrestler Narsingh Yadav had earlier tested positive in doping test conducted by the NADA.
Inderjeet is one of those athletes who does not train at the national camps. He normally trains on his own with his personal coach.
Gold-medallist in the Asian championships, Asian Grand Prix and the World University Games last year, Inderjeet was the first Indian athlete to qualify for Rio.
He competed at the 2013 Summer Universiade and won silver medal with a throw of 19.70 metre which was his personal best at that time.
Inderjeet claims conspiracy against him
Inderjeet claimed it was a conspiracy against him and his sample has been tampered with.
"This is a conspiracy and there is something wrong in it. This will be checked by the doctors though. I don't want to comment on it but whoever has tried to raise their voice in this country, they are forced to shut up," Inderjeet said.
"My sample has been tampered with. Why would a player take something which is not good for his health," Inderjeet added.
Inderjeet said although it was too early to say anything, there was a campaign to shut his mouth.
"I am not in a situation to say anything right now but this is one thing which destroys a player in our country. I will defend it," he said.
"I have given dope test at least 50 times last year and this year too I am giving it everywhere. Even after that a campaigning is done to shut my mouth. I used to speak straight for the Indian athletes. There are many things happening with me for past one year. Media shows that I am running from dope test but I am not. It disturbs a player," he added.
