Sprinter Dharambir Singh skips Rio Olympics flight after testing positive

India's dope shame in the Rio Olympics build-up continued with indications that 200m runner Dharambir Singh has returned positive for a banned substance in a test conducted last month

New Delhi: India's dope shame in the Rio Olympics build-up continued with indications that 200m runner Dharambir Singh has returned positive for a banned substance in a test conducted last month.

Dharambir Singh

Dharambir, who became the first Indian male sprinter to qualify for the Olympics after 36 years, did not board his flight to Rio on Tuesday, amid speculation that he had tested positive for an anabolic steroid in his 'A' sample taken by NADA during the Indian GP Meet in Bangalore on July 11.

However, neither NADA nor the Athletics Federation of India confirmed whether the athlete had flunked a dope test. The 27-year-old was to leave for Rio yesterday but was told to stay back, according to sources.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!