Press Trust of India
New Delhi, May 21: Two-time Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar said Saturday that the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has gone back on its words to conduct a trial in the men’s 74kg freestyle category before the Rio Games to decide who between him and Narsingh Yadav was better.
“When the trials took place in July 2015 before the World Championships and I could not take part due to an injury. WFI had promised, at that time that even if Narsingh Yadav books a quota in 74kg, there would be a trial before the Olympics as there is Sushil Kumar also in this category. Otherwise, I would not have been working so hard,” stated the two-time Olympic medal winner.
“I am not even saying that you send me because of my previous records at the Olympics. All I am asking is to conduct a trial. I just want them to check my performance. If you don’t do that, how will you know who is the better performer between me and Narsingh (Yadav),” added Sushil.
Sushil, however, pointed out that more than being angry, he is sad at the way the federation has been treating him.
“I am not angry but I feel bad and sad that after doing so much, this is happening. People from all parts of the world are asking me as to why I am being meted out this treatment,” the wrestler said.
Sushil admitted that it was shameful to move court but he had little choice after the present developments. “It is shameful to go to court. I was feeling weird. An athlete should be in the ground. But I have been very disturbed in the last few days. I had no option,” he told reporters.
