Khatri to kick start Indian campaign in wrestling

"I have followed a stringent routine with former Olympic champions and am very positive,? Khatri said.

Mukesh Khatri, who fought against all odds for his debut Olympic berth, will kickstart India's campaign in wrestling in the 55kg Greco-Roman category bout here on Tuesday after the weigh-in tomorrow.

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He would be hoping for a favourable draw to make a mark in the category which has in fray top grapplers including World Champion Dariusz Jablonski of Poland, Marian Sandu of Romania, Uran Kalilov of Kyrgyzstan and Hakan Nyblom of Denmark.

Khatri, who had prepared for this arduous campaign in June-July in Colorado Springs in the United States with top coaches and former Olympic champions, is a confident youngster with his polished technique and positive attitude.

"I have followed a stringent routine with former Olympic champions and top wrestling coaches in the US and am very positive towards my performance in the Olympics," the 22-year-old Khatri told PTI

Khatri is desperate to justify his training which he pursued defying the Wrestling Federation of India's schedule. He had also insisted that his personal coach Ramphal Thakran accompany him to Athens instead of chief coach Gian Singh and succeeded in doing so.

"I have trained with this coach (Thakran) since my childhood and his presence will inspire me during the main event," said Khatri, the lone Indian entry in Greco-Roman which does not allow the matmen to grapple with their opponents by holding them below the waist.