New Delhi: India's medal-winning hopes at the upcoming Rio Olympics suffered yet another setback after ace shot-putter Inderjeet Singh failed a doping test.
Inderjeet, who was the first Indian athlete to qualify for the mega event, tested positive for a banned steroid and was informed by National Anti-Doping Agency on Monday night. His out-of-competition test was done on June 22, sources told PTI.
Speaking to CNN News 18, the 28-year-old broke down on numerous occasions while sharing his ordeal.
"It's a conspiracy. There is something wrong. In this country, from Bhagat Singh to Inderjeet, everybody has to suffer for being outspoken," he said.
Slamming the authorities for lack of support, Inderjeet said, "The system has never supported me. I kept asking them for help. Now when I wanted to show them that I can win a medal on my own, they are trying to suppress me."
The reigning Asian Champion further added that he has been quite vocal about the lack of support for all athletes and the system was after him because of the same.
"I was one of the top contenders. Everybody feared that if this guy won a medal, he would create a lot of problem. I used to speak for Indian athletes everywhere about the way they are treated. They do not get sponsors. Some other people misuse the sponsors of the athletes," he added.
Inderjeet also told the channel that his sample was tampered and it's very disturbing for him since it has happened just days ahead of Rio Olympics.
"There have been certain things which have happened with me in the last 12-18 months. I have never run away from dope tests. I have always told NADA and everybody else about my whereabouts. But these things happening just days ahead of Rio Olympics is very disturbing for me," he said.
