Sushil asks media to portray CWG in positive light

Urging the media to portray the controversy-marred Commonwealth Games in a positive light, world champion Sushil Kumar today said India should make sure that the visitors carry a positive image of the country.

"I appeal to you to report positive things about the Commonwealth Games as it is a matter of the country's prestige. Very few countries get the opportunity to host the Commonwealth Games. We should ensure that the visitors carry a positive image of the Games when they leave from here," the Beijing Olympic Games bronze-medallist told reporters here.

The freestyle wrestler predicted that India would grab over a dozen gold medals in wrestling during the October 3-14 event. "There are 21 gold medals on offer in wrestling in the Commonwealth Games.

We can well at least win 13-14 out of those," said Sushil, who became the first Indian to win a gold medal in the World Championships in the free style 66kg category event in Moscow recently. "The Commonwealth Games is the biggest sporting event after the Olympics and everyone would like to do well.

All the countries like Canada, Australia, England, Pakistan and South Africa would be prepared. "We, too, are well prepared and are confident after some good performances in the World and Asian Championships. We will give a strong fight," he said. Sushil brushed aside reports stating that many athletes across the world were planning to skip the Games due to security concerns.

First Published: Sep 23, 2010 19:18 IST