The news of a life ban for testing positive for nandrolone at the last National Games in Hyderabad has come as a bolt from the blue for promising rower Lakshman Singh, who pleads ignorance about taking any performance-enhancing substance.

"I have never taken any drug, intentionally knowing that it will enhance my performance in the event," he said.

Lakshman Singh, who won a bronze in single sculls at the Games, was on Tuesday slapped with a life ban by the Rowing Federation of India after his 'B' sample also tested positive.

Expressing ignorance about the banned substances listed by the International Olympic Committee, the rower said he would have informed the medical experts whom he visited for treatment just before the last year's National Games had he been aware of the medicines which figured in the list.

"I had visited a doctor in my native village in Ferozepur district in October last year. The doctor prescribed me some tablets and capsules and injections," he said.

Singh has already given details of his treatment to the Chandigarh Rowing Association (CRA), which has nominated its director, competitions, to inquire into the incident.

It has also constituted a three-member inquiry committee, which includes 'Flying Sikh' Milkha Singh.

UNI